Police investigate attempted rape in St Helens alleyway

Merseyside Police said officers were contacted at around 3.20am on Monday, November 9, following reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted by a man.

The assault is reported to have taken place at around 2am in an alleyway between Kirkland Street and Burnell Close.

Police are investigating the incident as an attempted rape.

Officers have since sealed off the alleyway as part of their enquiries, with a police cordon put in place between the two streets.

The suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft 7in tall, with short dark hair and a dark beard.

He reportedly spoke with a St Helens accent and was wearing a dark blue puffer coat, dark blue jeans and white trainers.

He was also smoking a cigarette.

House-to-house, CCTV and witness enquiries are being carried out in the local area.

Detective Inspector Adam Smith said: "We understand how shocking this incident will be and I want the public to be reassured we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible.

"The woman was left clearly distressed by her ordeal and is being supported by specially trained officers.

"The investigation is in the very early stages and enquiries are being carried out."

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at around 2am, particularly taxi or delivery drivers, who may have seen a man matching the description.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC.

Information can also be submitted through the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 26000918033.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.