Police renew appeal after Blackpool sex assault

POLICE are renewing their appeal for information exactly two months after a teenage girl was subjected to a serious sexual assault in a Blackpool Park.

The incident happened on the cut through to Grange Park next to the Bowling Green off Garstang Road shortly after 9am on Thursday, June 14th, the same day that Spain beat Ireland 4-0 on the football World Cup.

Police believe the incident is also linked to an earlier assault in the same area on Friday June 1st when a teenage girl was approached around 8.30am and grabbed by a man.

Fortunately no sexual assault took place on this occasion as the girl screamed and the offender ran off.

The offender in both incidents is described as a white man, aged 16-18 years old, around 5' 9” tall with short blondish hair.

So far two men have both been arrested in connection with the incident but have both been released no charge.

A major police investigation continues to find the man responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Barrow, who is leading the investigation, said: "Two months on and we remain dedicated to solving this case and getting justice for the two young girls who have understandably been left traumatised by what has happened to them. Both continue to be supported by dedicated family liaison officers.

"We've had a great response from members of the public so far, many of whom have come forward with possible names having called up genuinely concerned and wanting to help. I'd reassure people that we follow up every line of enquiry and would continue to appeal to people to come forward with any information they think could assist with our investigation.

"In particular we are still very keen to speak to a man we believe may have been walking along the cut through, towards Garstang Road at the time of the offence who may have scared off the attacker – If you think that was you, please come forward, you could have information that is crucial to the investigation.

"We continue to have a full investigation team working on this case and could urge people to take a look at the evofit image and see if it resembles someone you know or someone you have seen in the area, be reassured that people can be easily eliminated.”

"I would like to reassure people that high visibility patrols remain in the area to offer reassurance and as a point of contact should see anything suspicious or need to speak to an officer.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on the new non-emergency number 101 or alternatively, people can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

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