Predator who abducted woman into van remains on the loose
A PREDATOR is still at large nearly a month after a woman was brazenly bundled into a van in broad daylight down a busy Gosport residential street.
A community was left in fear after a woman in her 20s was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when she was thrown into an orange-coloured van on Station Road, Brockhurst, between 3pm and 4pm on Tuesday, April 19.
The victim was later found ‘distressed’ on a cycle path between Long Drive and Rowner Lane.
The woman escaped serious physical or sexual harm but was subjected to a prolonged assault before managing to run from her attacker.
Patrols were increased by police in the wake of the horrifying incident that sparked fear and anxiety from women in the area.
Now, nearly a month on, police have confirmed the fugitive is still at large as officers continue the hunt while maintaining a visible presence in the area.
A police spokesman said: ‘Enquiries remain ongoing. Officers actively patrol this area and, as always, we would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood or has any concerns to report this to police on 101.’
The abduction in Station Road is understood to have happened on a bend by an entrance to woods, which forms a main thoroughfare in the area.
Residents said they regularly witness drug dealing, men loitering and girls being ‘harassed’ by males.
Anti-social behaviour from youths and homeless people climbing into back gardens was also said to take place, with the area also no stranger to flashing incidents and assaults - including reportedly those of a sexual nature.
One woman said: ‘I am terrified of what goes on here. It’s not new, it’s been going on for a while. I’m not surprised. So many criminals just get away with it.’
She added: ‘Male predators think they have the right to attack women here.’
Another female resident said: ‘I’m too scared to go out when it gets late.’
Police, responding to concerns, said they were ‘seeing a reduction in three of the incident types’, of offences raised by residents. These included sexual offences, assaults, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour.