Appeal for witnesses following sexual assault in Church Lawton

Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault in Church Lawton are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

The incident is believed to have taken place sometime between 12am to 1am on Sunday 6 March on Liverpool Road West.

The victim, a woman, left a function at Lawton Memorial Hall and was walking in the direction of Kidsgrove when she was approached by an unknown man who spoke to her before sexually assaulting her.

The offender is described as white, with black hair, which was longer on top, and stubble. At the time of the incident he was wearing blue jeans, black loafers with a triangle shaped tag. It is believed he had a Stoke accent.

A number of enquiries remain ongoing and patrols are continuing to be stepped up in the area. The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers.

Following further enquiries, police are keen to speak to a man who they believe could be a significant witness to the investigation.

This man is described as white, with grey coloured hair with short back and sides. He was aged in his 50s of a stocky build. At the time he was wearing a dark purple raincoat jacket.

Detective Inspector Vicki Shelton said: “Local residents will have seen an increase in patrols over recent days and this will carry on as we work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

“Again, I would ask anyone with any concerns please raise them with our officers.

“We are continuing conduct a number of enquiries in relation to the incident and as part of these, we are specifically appealing to the man who we believe is a key witness and may be able to assist us with our investigation.

“I want make it clear that this man is not being treated as a suspect and I would ask him to please get in touch with Cheshire Police.

“I would also continue to ask anyone who may have been in the area around the time of the incident, may have seen something that didn’t look quite right or anyone who may have information – no matter how small to get in touch.

“If you were driving in the area at the time and may have captured dashcam footage or may have CCTV around the area and not yet spoken to police, please contact us.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police quoting IML 1216463 via:

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ 

...or call 101.

If you do not want to speak to an officer directly you can pass on Information anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on:

0800 555 111

...or via:

https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously