Portsmouth police tape off area near Buckland school as rape investigation continues

Police have been conducting enquiries today after the incident in Buckland, between midnight and 1am this morning, when the teenager was approached by two men as she walked along Lake Road, who continued to follow her to Turner Road.

An area near and around Ark Dickens Primary School has been taped off and evidence markers laid out on the ground.

Police are appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage to help with their investigation.

Detective Inspector Emma Crute said: ‘This has been a very distressing incident for the victim and I want to urge anyone who may be able to assist our enquiries to get in contact with us as soon as possible.

‘We believe the men may have been disturbed by a car driving close by. We urgently want to speak with anyone who may have driven along Turner Road just before 1am this morning.’

Neither of the men was known to the woman, who is currently receiving support from specialist officers.

The news has shocked the community.

One News reader on Facebook said: ‘Portsmouth has become so unsafe hope they find the men who did it and justice is served. It still doesn’t take away what this poor young lady has gone through.’

Another added: ‘I hope this poor girl gets all the help and support she needs. Something has to be done. Portsmouth is getting worse.’

There have been two other incidents of alleged rape in the city in the last month.

A 40-year-old woman was attacked on Southsea Common on August 3.

Police are still appealing for information and want to see any photos taken on Southsea Common that day which could help officers to track down the man.

He was described as white with a heavy build and facial hair and was wearing a dark baseball cap, a dark top with a zip, and a blue surgical facemask.

A man was previously arrested on suspicion of rape.

In another incident, a 19-year-old woman was attacked on August 29 in an alleyway off Clarendon Road.

Muhib Uddin, 31, of Newcomen Road in Stamshaw, Portsmouth is due to appear in court next month accused of rape.

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Anyone with information that could help police with the Turner Road investigation should call 101, quoting 44200364429 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

DCI Crute added: ‘I am also keen to speak with anyone who may have seen two men acting suspiciously or hanging around in the hour before in Lake Road, or anyone who drove through this area or Turner Road between midnight and 1am and has dash cam footage.

‘Please, if you live in and around Lake Road or Turner Road and have CCTV outside your house, could you also check this as well, as you may have vital footage that could assist us.

‘You will see officers conducting enquiries in the area, if you have any concerns or any information that could help, then please do not hesitate to approach them.

‘Any information, however small you feel it may be, could be vital to our investigation.’

Looking for the latest updates on Portsmouth court cases and crime? Join our Portsmouth Crime Facebook group to keep up to date.

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