Witness appeal after sex assault on moor
Police in ‘early stages’ of investigation after girl is attacked near footpath
Witnesses of ‘unusual or suspicious activity’ are being asked to come forward following a sexual assault at a popular area of open space in Maidenhead.
Thames Valley Police said it is in the ‘early stages’ of an investigation after reports that a female had been sexually assaulted in North Town Moor shortly before 5pm on Monday.
Officers were called at 4.56pm by two members of the public, who ‘heard a girl shouting from bushes’.
The girl, whose age has not been disclosed, is being supported by specially trained officers.
Residents reported a heavy police presence on the moor on Monday night – including a helicopter circling – and a police cordon and forensics tent was in place at a footpath on land between Holyport Football Club and Summerleaze Quarry on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, police said a scene-watch had been put in place and there is an increased presence of police officers in the area.
Detective Inspector Stuart May from Thames Valley Police said: “I am aware the location is popular with dog walkers, and I would like to appeal to anybody that was in the local area between 4pm and 5pm and witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity to please contact the force on 101, quoting incident reference 1589 of
October 11.
“You can also speak to any of our officers who are at the scene, or for 100 per cent anonymity, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“You will notice an increased presence of police officers in the local area while our enquiries continue and anyone with any concerns can speak to one of our officers.
“I would also appeal to anybody who was driving in the general area of North Town Moor, to please check their dash-cam footage and get in touch with us if it has captured anything that may assist this investigation.
“We are in the very early stages of this investigation and are making local house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV from the area.”
Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, Thames Valley Police said it could provide no further information on the investigation or any suspects at this stage.