POLICE are appealing for information following allegations that a teenager was sexually assaulted in St Helens town centre in the summer.

Officers received a report that an 18-year-old woman had been assaulted on Clocktower Street at around 4am on Sunday, July 17.

One of the victim's first nights out

The young woman was on "one of her first nights out" in St Helens.

After splitting up from her friends, she is reported to have been followed by a man while walking away from Westfield Street.

It is reported that the man, described as being in his 20s, began talking to the young woman on Clocktower Street and attempted to assault her.

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Fortunately, the woman's friend came to her aid and she was able to escape the situation.

The suspect is reported to have been chased as he made off from the area, while the incident left the victim with scratches and a lasting impact on her mental health.

While the incident occurred in July, the investigation is still ongoing to identify the alleged offender and bring him to justice.

Police confirm this has included CCTV and witness enquiries.

What police have said

Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan: “We are examining a number of lines of enquiry including CCTV footage, forensic and witness enquiries.

“I would appeal for anyone who believes they could assist the investigation, including CCTV and dashcam footage of the incident, to contact us as a matter of urgency.” 

If you have any information on the incident, please contact Merseyside Police via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 22000509831, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Further support for victims

Anyone who wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by a specially trained officer.

Victims of sexual assault or rape can also access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone, without a referral from the police.

Victims can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police.

Immediate police assistance on sexual crimes can be reported here while the Police's plan to tackle violence against women and girls can be found here.