CCTV of witnesses released after 'serious sexual assault' on Southsea Common

A CCTV image has been released by police investigating a ‘serious sexual assault’ on Southsea Common.
By Ben Fishwick
Published 26th Aug 2020, 16:06 BST
Updated 26th Aug 2020, 16:23 BST

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The still shows potential witnesses, not suspects, linked to the attack on a 40-year-old woman late at night on August 3.

Detectives launched Operation Outwards to find her assailant and have previously arrested a teenager on suspicion of rape but released him with no further action.

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Now they are turning to public for help in identifying the witnesses shown on the zebra crossing in Clarence Esplanade outside the Pyramid Centre walking north.

CCTV released by Hampshire police after a 40-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while walking on Southsea Common near to the Pyramid Centre on August 3. The people in the image are not suspects but are possible witnesses. Picture: Hampshire policeCCTV released by Hampshire police after a 40-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while walking on Southsea Common near to the Pyramid Centre on August 3. The people in the image are not suspects but are possible witnesses. Picture: Hampshire police
CCTV released by Hampshire police after a 40-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while walking on Southsea Common near to the Pyramid Centre on August 3. The people in the image are not suspects but are possible witnesses. Picture: Hampshire police
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Rape probe detectives say Southsea Common sex attacker 'wore blue surgical mask'

As reported, the woman was violently and sexually assaulted at around 9.45pm. She was walking on Southsea Common when she was approached and attacked.

Officers previously said the attacker may have been wearing a blue face mask. Police were seen in an area of bushes near the Ladies Mile off Clarence Parade on August 4.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘Detectives investigating a serious sexual assault on Southsea Common on Monday, August 3 are keen to speak with them as witnesses to the incident.

Police presence at Clarence Parade, Southsea on 4 August 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanPolice presence at Clarence Parade, Southsea on 4 August 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Police presence at Clarence Parade, Southsea on 4 August 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘They were not involved in the assault, but CCTV puts them in the area around the time the incident happened and we believe they may be valuable witnesses and could assist us with our investigation into what happened.’

SEE ALSO: Latest update on cases from Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court

Call 101 quoting Operation Outwards if you recognise the people, or if you are the people pictured.

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