Police confirm 17-year-old girl seriously sexually assaulted in Northampton as River Nene footpath remains cordoned off

The incident happened on the footpath next to the River Nene near to Trenery Way between 1am and 4am on Sunday, April 26, when a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted, according to Northamptonshire Police. A spokesperson for the force said: “Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault in Northampton town centre.”

An investigation into the incident has been launched, led by detectives from Northamptonshire Police’s specialist SOLAR Team, and anyone who witnessed what happened or anyone who has any information about it should call us in 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote incident number 26000239036 when passing on any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.

A spokesperson added: “Police officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be in the area over the coming days to reassure the local community and anyone with any concerns is welcome to approach one of these officers who will be happy to help.”

The footpath is cordoned off around the Wathen Wigg Bridge area of the Nene.

Robert Brown, aged 57, was found fatally injured on a bench on the towpath nearby at about on Friday, August 1.

Due to the nature of his death and an injury he sustained, a murder investigation was launched, led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Major Crime team.

In February this year Northants Police said: “A thorough investigation has taken place to establish how Mr Brown died, which, following receipt of all forensic analysis, has concluded it is likely the injury was unintentionally self-inflicted.” At the time of Robert’s death, locals living in the riverside raised concerned about the area around Wathen Wigg Bridge – which leads to Morrison’s via Trenery Way – being a ‘blind spot’ and a ‘lawless land’ due to the CCTV which sits just above the bridge not working.

In response, West Northamptonshire Council confirmed the CCTV camera on the bridge has been out of service since 2013.

A council spokeswoman said: “The CCTV camera on the bridge has been out of service since 2013 due to high repair costs and difficult access. It is also not recognised as a significant trouble hotspot.

“We acknowledge that a working camera might have provided valuable intelligence for our police colleagues, and we will be discussing the merits of a replacement with them.

“Due to the location, any solution would remain challenging and there would potentially be high costs at a time when public sector budgets are incredibly stretched.” In September 2025, WNC said it would be carrying out a review of its CCTV network – but said the move is was connected to the death of Robert Brown.

Reform councillor Thomas Manning, cabinet member for planning and communities, wrote in a report which went before full council on 25 September: “The council’s CCTV system remains a key tool in protecting the public and helping to see criminals caught and convicted. However, as time moves on, both circumstances and technology change.

“Therefore, we will be undertaking a strategic review of the system, to see where, perhaps, cameras are no longer justified, and where there are no cameras, but they are needed. Alongside that, we will be looking at the technology used and where we can add to system effectiveness, whilst always bearing in mind the need not to intrude on people’s privacy without good reason.”

West Northants Council has been contacted for comment.