Police launch investigation after woman raped in Liverpool city centre

A woman was reportedly raped next to a busy main road in the early hours of the morning.

Merseyside Police received a report at around 12.50am on Thursday 20 February, which said a woman had been assaulted at the junction of Vauxhall Road and Leeds Street in Liverpool's city centre.

Police have now launched an investigation and the woman is currently being supported by specially trained officers. A small cordon and a police car was in place this morning near to bushes and a grassy area which runs alongside Leeds Street.

Merseyside Police said CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries are in the process of being carried out and they are now appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity of Leeds Street/Vauxhall Road between 12.15am and 12.45am on Thursday 20 February who heard or saw anything suspicious to contact officers "as a matter of urgency."Detective Inspector Carla Cross said: “We take all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously as we know the impact of such offences can be long-lasting on victims, and our specialist Unity team will continue to provide specialist support to the victim throughout the investigation.“Information from the public can and often does help to gather evidence that puts dangerous offenders behind bars, and I would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch. Leeds Street is a busy thoroughfare and we know that there may have been taxis or delivery drivers in the area at the time who may have captured something significant on their dashcams.“We also believe the woman spoke to a man in the area of Leeds Street following the assault and we would ask that man to come forward as he may be able to further assist with our investigation.”

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