Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman reported being raped in Barrack Hall Park, Bexhill, on Monday evening (18 August).
The incident was reported shortly after 5:30pm. The victim, a woman in her 20s, is being supported by specially trained officers as detectives continue their investigation.
Suspect Description
The suspect has been described as a white man wearing a short-sleeved top and trousers. He is not believed to have been known to the victim.
Key Witnesses Sought
Officers are particularly keen to identify two sets of people who were in the children’s play park area around the time of the incident:
- Two cyclists – a man and a woman, seen with bikes between 5:00pm and 5:20pm. They were last spotted pushing their bicycles out of the play area and across the park towards the allotments.
- A family group – a man, a woman, and a young child, who were in the play area between 5:40pm and 6:00pm, and present when police first arrived at the scene.
Appeal for Footage
Detective Inspector James Meanwell said:
“We are keen to hear from these individuals who were in the park at the time and may hold key information for the investigation.
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have captured video footage in the park around that time – whether on mobile phones, dashcams, or other devices – to come forward, as this could provide vital evidence.
“We understand this incident will have caused significant concern within the local community. Dedicated patrols remain in place to provide reassurance and visibility while enquiries continue.”
How to Help
Anyone with information is urged to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Calcot. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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