Detective investigating sexual assault in Northampton says he has received '˜good' response to police appeal

Officers are investigating a sexual assault on a 19-year-old woman near the Pastures Community Centre in Acre Lane, Kingsthorpe, Northampton on Friday evening, between 6.35pm and 7pm.

The woman was assaulted after she got off a bus in Acre Lane and walked towards community centre.

Detective Sergeant Alex Livadeas, who is leading the investigation into the sexual assault, said the force had received a number of phone calls from women who reported similar incidents.

However, Mr Livadeas said the sexual assault was a very rare crime and nothing similar had happened in the area during the last few months.

He said: “We have received a number of good calls since the appeal went out yesterday. Some of the callers said they had been in situations where they were on their own and felt uncomfortable.

“We would like to hear from anyone else in the area who may have seen something suspicious.

“We don’t believe it is a particular problem in this area.

“People just need to be on their guard and be aware of their surroundings.”

The victim of the sexual assault has described the offender as white, about 19 years old, medium build, with short black hair. He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms, a zip-up black hooded top and trainers. He was carrying a black ‘man bag’ with the strap across his chest.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone with any information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.