DETECTIVES have launched a rape investigation after a woman was raped in Bournemouth town centre in the early hours of the morning.
The woman, who is being supported by specially-trained officers, was approached by four unknown men before the serious incident.
Dorset Police received a report at around 3.05am on Sunday October 30 that a woman was approached by four unknown men in Wootton Gardens and was raped.
The men are described as Turkish with black beards and they were all wearing black.
Police said the victim – a woman aged in her 20s – is being supported by specially-trained officers.
Police remained on the scene on Monday, October 31 as two separate police cordons were put in place in the area.
Residents in the nearby flats say they hadn’t heard anything but were shocked at the news of what had happened.
Detectives have appealed for witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage to contact them as part of their investigation.
Detective Inspector Katie Starkie, of Bournemouth CID said: “This incident will understandably cause concern for the community and I would like to remind the public that there will be an increased police presence in the town centre as enquiries continue and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”
Read more: Wootton Gardens rape investigation: police cordon in place
Read more: Rape investigation and Horseshoe Common cordoned off
Reports of sexual offences have risen in Dorset during the past year.
Recently released data reveals in the year leading to June 2021, 1,986 offences were reported. That figure had risen by nearly 500 to 2,437 in the year leading to June 2022.
We contacted Dorset Police and Dorset Police’s Police and Crime Commissioner for a comment on community safety in Bournemouth town centre.
Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220176487.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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