Woman raped under Telford bridge after night out
A woman was raped under a bridge on the way home from a nightclub, police have revealed.
Officers today appealed for anyone with information about the attack, which took place under the bridge which runs over Wrockwardine Wood Way in Telford, to come forward.
They have also released a CCTV image of a cyclist they wish to speak to in the hope they could have information that could assist the police's investigation.
The road, near the junction with New Road, was closed for 36 hours after what police initially described as a "serious sexual assault". They have today confirmed a woman was raped during the attack, which happened at about 3.30am on Saturday (July 18).
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Harding said: "The victim had been out with friends at the Industry nightclub in Oakengates. She left at about 2.40am and headed in the direction of the bus station.
"Witnesses reported seeing a male walking behind the victim from the bus station and along the Stafford Road. We're very keen to speak to this person, who is described as being a white male, aged between 15 and 30, around 5ft10ins tall, of slim to medium build and wearing dark trousers and a dark top, possibly with a hood.
"We'd also like to speak to anyone who saw this person or the victim or anyone acting suspiciously in the area around this time.
"We have also identified a man on a bike in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen something that could be vital to the investigation. If you were out on a bike or know someone who was out on a bike between 2am to 4am we would like to speak to you."
DCI Harding said he wanted to reassure people that this type of crime is rare.
He said: "Attacks of this type by strangers are very rare, but the people who commit them are very dangerous and this is why we are keen to identify the man responsible as soon as possible.
"I would like to reassure local residents that I have a number of additional officers working in the area both investigating this offence and to provide reassurance to the local community."
Anyone with information about the crime, or who may be able to identify either of the men, is asked to call police on 101 and quote incident 133s of July 18.
