A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of rape following an incident in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
During the early hours of Wednesday, July 1, the 29-year-old victim was enticed up the stairs of a service area of the shopping centre by a man who stole her bag.
He then went on to sexually assault her on Ipsley Street.
He is described as an Asian man, in his late teens, around 5 foot 3, of a slight build, wearing traditional clothing.
A 19-year-old man has been released on conditional bail until Friday, August 7.
DS Nick Husbands, the investigating officer, said: “We are taking this offence very seriously and urge anyone with information to come forward to police. We want to hear from anyone who saw a man of this description in the area at the time.
“We want victims to know that we will take their reports seriously and our specially trained officers and dedicated independent sexual violence advisors will work hard to get the right outcome for them.
“Being the victim of a sexual assault is undoubtedly an extremely traumatic experience and we are keen to reassure anyone who has been a victim that they can contact the police and they will be treated in a caring and sensitive manner. Together with our partner agencies, we will give them all the support we can.
“All reports of rape and sexual assaults are taken seriously and are thoroughly investigated. Rape is never the victim’s fault and there can be serious consequences for people who commit sexual offences. West Mercia Police will work hard to prosecute those responsible whilst also considering the wishes of the victim.”
Anyone with any information relating to this incident is asked to call 101 quoting incident 342S of Wednesday 1 July.
