Teenager ‘raped’ while walking through village in horror late night attack as man, 25, is arrested

Police are appealing for witnesses after a young woman was raped on a path in north Somerset in the early hours of Monday, March 16.

Avon and Somerset Police has issued a plea for witnesses who may have seen the woman, aged in her late teens, who was raped in the Rooksbridge area at around 1am on Monday, March 16.

The victim managed to flee from her attacker and was helped by a member of the public, who has since been interviewed by investigators.

Police wish to speak to a woman who the victim approached for directions and any drivers who may have been in the Rooksbridge, Loxton and Sevier Road, and Axbridge areas between 6am and 7.45am.

Anyone who may have relevant information or dashcam footage which could assist police enquiries is also requested to come forward.

A 25-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released on conditional bail.

CCTV and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out, and witness statements have been taken while investigations continue.

Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Charmaine Dyne said: "A thorough investigation is underway, and we remain in contact with the victim who has been offered access to specialist support services.

"We would like to hear from any drivers who saw a woman in the area on the morning of March 16, those with relevant dashcam footage, and any other information, no matter how small or trivial they may think it might be, to contact us.

"We would also particularly like to speak to a woman, who was described as wearing a lanyard and being in the company of a small child, who was approached by another woman who asked for directions to Bridgwater.

"We want to remind people that any violence towards woman and girls will not be tolerated, and any victim of a sexual offence will be heard, believed, and supported."