Police appeal for witnesses who assisted woman in Marlow who later became the victim of a sexual assault

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have assisted a woman in Marlow Town Centre during the early hours of Sunday 21st August 2016.

The woman in her thirties had been enjoying a night out in Marlow however she later became the victim of a sexual assault. Thames Valley Police would like to speak to a number of people as witnesses who tried to assist the woman before the assault.

The woman left the Cross Keys pub in Marlow at around 2.39am and turned left and walked down Spittal Street towards the town centre.

At 2.43am she stopped in a shop doorway and was approached by a member of the public wearing a light coloured jacket, who came to assist her.

At around 2.45am she was helped by a passing group of six people who flagged down a taxi and helped her into the front seat of the taxi. Between the time the victim got into the taxi and her getting home at around 3.10am she has been sexually assaulted.

Investigating Officer, Det Con Emily Addison of Force CID based at High Wycombe police station, said: ‘We are asking a number of people who have spoken to and helped the victim prior to getting in the taxi to come forward.

We wish to speak to them as we believe that they might be able to provide witness information which will assist us in our investigation.

We have arrested one man in connection with this incident who has been bailed whilst enquiries are ongoing.

If you were one of the people who helped the female victim, or may have seen her in Marlow town centre prior to 2.45am please call Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting reference 43160231710.

We are offering ongoing support from specially trained officers to the victim throughout this investigation.

We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public at this time but we would ask anyone with concerns to speak to their local neighbourhood policing team or call 101.‘

If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

A 25 year old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of assault of a female 13 and over by penetration. He has been bailed until Tuesday 4th October 2016.