POLICE CONFIRM APPLEBY ATTACK WAS NOT A RAPE
POLICE CONFIRM APPLEBY ATTACK WAS NOT A RAPE
Posted: June 6, 2011
Investigations continue today, following reports that an 18 year old woman from Penrith was assaulted in Appleby on Saturday night.
Officers were called to a lay by off the A66 at around 8.30pm after initial reports had been made that she’d been sexually assaulted in nearby bushes.
They say this morning that after conducting extensive enquiries and further discussions with the victim yesterday, they can now confirm they’re investigating an indecent assault, not a rape.
It’s believed the victim and her friend met up with a group of young men visiting the Appleby Horse Fair and were waiting for a taxi on the east bound slip road of the A66 turn off to Appleby when the 18 year old alleges she was assaulted by one of them in nearby bushes.
Officers are particularly keen to trace a group of young men in their late teens who are believed to have been staying at the Fair.
One of the group is described as a white man, aged 18-19yrs, of a medium build, with brown gelled hair which is shorter at the sides with ringlet curls at the back. He was wearing a grey Adidas tracksuit with distinctive neon green stripes down the top and bottom of the tracksuit.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Hudson said: “A team of detectives are carrying out an investigation and will be conducting enquiries in the local area and amongst visitors today.
CSI teams have cordoned off the scene close to the lay by while an examination of the area takes place.
“If you were in the area at the time or have any information that can help police in their enquiries, please contact Appleby police on 0845 33 00 247.”
Overall, police experienced a quieter evening than expected, which is traditionally the busiest night of the event.
Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “This has been one of the best attended Fairs for many years with thousands more visitors travelling to Appleby to experience the unique event.
“There has been a really positive atmosphere around Appleby with everybody enjoying themselves and police have had to attend very few incidents. This is reflected in the very low numbers of arrests that we have made so far.
“As the weekend draws to a close, our focus now turns to ensuring that people can leave Appleby safely. There are more bow tops and horse drawn vehicles at this year’s Fair and as these leave the area, it is essential that road users in and around Appleby continue to take care. I’d like to urge all drivers to lower their speed and allow extra time for their journey as delays are to be expected.”
