Police appeal for information following sexual assault

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a serious sexual assault that took place on Park Street in Bristol last weekend.

Officers from Operation Bluestone are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area on the evening of Saturday 1 October.

Between 9.15pm and 10.30pm that evening, a woman dressed in leopard skin fancy dress became separated from her friends when they entered a Park Street night club.

As she walked down Park Street she was joined by a man who then led her into an alleyway and subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

Detective Sergeant Steve Cartlidge from Operation Bluestone said:"Park Street is a very busy area and I am sure there may be witnesses that may have noticed suspicious behaviour and have not come forward. 

"I would urge them to do so no matter how irrelevant you think that information may be, please let us decide.

"Incidents like this are rare, however, I would urge everyone to be conscious of their personal safety as the nights grow darker."

Anyone who may have information is asked to call Operation Bluestone officers on the new non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Description

Police would particularly like to speak to a man described as white, in his early 30s, clean shaven and with short, fair hair in connection with this attack.

He is about 6ft tall and of a stocky build with broad shoulders. He was wearing a black bomber jacket and black jeans.

Safety

Numbers of uniformed police officers have been increased in the Park Street area and police have urged people to remain vigilant and follow this safety advice:

•Don't walk alone at night – book a cab or stay with a friend 

•Stay alert to your surroundings – don't chat on your mobile or listen to an MP3 

•Get and carry a personal attack alarm 

•Stick to well-lit, busy areas – don't take that dark shortcut 

•Tell someone where you're going and who you're with 

•Walk confidently and be wary of strangers trying to start a conversation 

•Have your car or house keys ready to hand 

•Report anything suspicious to police by calling 101

If anything should happen: 

•Scream, set off your personal alarm – make as much noise as you can 

•Run to a busy place as soon as you can and call 999