Patrols stepped up after woman raped in street

Police have stepped up patrols in Peterborough after a woman was raped in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The victim, who is in her 20s, was cycling along Park Road, near to Elizabeth Court, at about 3am when she was assaulted.

No-one has been arrested, but officers have released a description of the suspect. He is described as a white man with very short brown hair, who was also on a bicycle.

A police spokesman said: “Officers will be conducting extra patrols in the area over the next week.”

The rape is not being linked to any other incidents by detectives.

A spokesman for Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group (PRCCG) said: “We’re obviously extremely sorry to hear about the horrible experience this woman has endured. It’s very sad that so many of us feel uneasy when we’re out alone, when our city should be a safe place for everyone. We hope that the offender is caught quickly and the survivor is offered the maximum support.

“PRCCG has been helping local women and girls with our dedicated phone line and counselling service for 35 years.

“We have a dedicated face to face counselling service, where you will not be judged or forced to talk about anything. It’s a very organic process, built on trust, that will allow you to start making sense of what’s happened and moving on with your life.

“We’re here to listen to anyone who has experience sexual violence. Our free helpline is open Wednesday evening and Saturday morning (01733 225937) or you can fill out a form at www.caprcp.org.uk”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them on 101, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Park Road