Kent man arrested on suspicion of raping woman after she left Astoria nightclub, Portsmouth, in early hours

The 19-year-old was attacked in the early hours of last Wednesday after vacating Astoria in Guildhall Walk. She is now being supported by specialist officers.

The assault took place between 2.30am and 3.30am. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launched an investigation and have detained a 23-year-old from Kent on suspicion of rape.

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He has been released on police bail. Enquiries are currently ongoing. Detective Inspector Richard Gibson said: ‘We would like to reassure our residents that we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and are conducting extensive and thorough enquiries to determine the circumstances of this incident.

‘Officers have been in the area conducting enquiries, and have also spent the weekend patrolling our busiest pubs, clubs and restaurants, including the Palmerston Road and Guildhall Walk areas. This will continue into next weekend, and we will continue our focus on spotting the signs of behavioural traits of potential offenders, working in partnership with our licensed premises to identify individuals at risk as well as perpetrators.

‘Our licensing team, in partnership with neighbourhood officers and Portsmouth City Council, regularly visit pubs, bars and other venues in Portsmouth to create a safer space for customers. Part of this work involves engaging with members of staff, including door staff, to help them spot the signs of someone who is vulnerable, being abused or in need of help, and provide venues with training and a toolkit so that they can take practical steps to make a safer environment.

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‘If you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or vulnerable then please approach staff or security staff at any of our licensed venues, patrolling officers or our street pastors who are also in the Guildhall Walk area on Friday and Saturday nights. Sexual violence comes in many forms – it can be discomforting and sexualised commentary, unwanted advances and harassment, as well as physical violence. If you experience any of these behaviours – whether this is while you’re out in the community, on a night out, at work, or indeed even in your own home, please tell us or a support service.’

Anyone with information is advised to call 101, quoting 44230086327, or to submit a report on the police website.