Police investigating a recent report of a sexual assault which occurred in Carlisle in 2002 want to trace people who may be able to help.
The offence was only recently been reported but happened on or around October 19 2002 in Church Street/Roman Way, in the Stanwix area of Carlisle, at around 5pm.
The victim was 19 years old at the time of the offence and living locally as a student.
She was walking to her then boyfriend’s address when she was followed by three men she did not recognise, two of whom grabbed her.
One of the men then kissed her and sexually assaulted her before a woman intervened, helping the victim get away from the men.
Officers are appealing for anyone who recalls seeing this incident, or who has any other information, to come forward.
The victim has provided descriptions of the suspects.
The primary suspect is described as being 17 to 20 years old and between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in. He was of slim to medium build with dark brown hair – short back and sides. He had a crooked nose and a local accent.
Of the two other men, one had a shaved head and other had lighter hair and was taller than the primary suspect. All three men were white and believed to be local to Carlisle.
The woman who intervened was carrying a Morrisons shopping bag, which she dropped on the ground before coming to the victim’s aid.
Officers are appealing for her to come forward. She was white and had curly brown hair and glasses. She may have been in a red car.
Officers are also keen to hear from the victim’s then boyfriend, who she is no longer in contact with but who may be able to assist officers in piecing together what happened that evening. He was local to Carlisle and a DJ at the time.
Detective Constable Katie Rowberry said: “Whilst the incident occurred over 20 years ago, we believe that the woman who came to the victim’s aid will recall the incident and may be able to provide valuable information which will aid this investigation.
“Likewise, we believe the details provided, if seen by the victim’s ex-boyfriend, will be recognised and hopefully lead to him getting in touch in order to assist officers.”
Anyone who is able to assist with this investigation is urged to contact police today.
You can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 89 of 10 February 2024 or call 101.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
