Appeal to trace man who helped victim

We have issued CCTV images in a bid to identify a man who helped the victim of a reported rape.

Officers from the force’s dedicated Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team are investigating a report of a rape which took place in a Bedford park on 7 April.

The man pictured is thought to have helped the victim at Bedford railway station and is not under investigation.

Detective Constable Shona Birkby, from the RASSO team, said: “Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and we continue to investigate the circumstances around this report. We think the man pictured may be able to help our investigation.

“The victim was incredibly thankful for this individual’s help and we only want to speak with him in case he has any information that could assist our efforts to track down the offender.”

If you have any information, please get in touch by calling 101 or reporting online quoting reference 40/19813/22.

If you have been a victim of a sexual assault yourself, you can also report through the same channels.

You can also contact Victim Care Services for free and confidential support, whether the crime has been reported or not. The experienced staff and volunteers know what emotions and challenges victims may be going through. They are specially trained to listen and give help and advice. They also work with a range of specialist organisations and community support groups and can make referrals to help victims on their journey.

Victim care co-ordinators will also discuss the benefits of restorative justice, which gives victims the opportunity to tell the offender about the real impact the crime they committed has had on them.

You can also contact Bedfordshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) via the Emerald Centre, by emailing [email protected] or calling 01234 897052.

They offer free support and practical help to anyone in Bedfordshire and Luton who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.