Attempted rape investigation in St Helens - What we know so far

Here is what we know so far about the investigation.

What happened?

Merseyside Police received a report at around 3.20am on Monday, November 9, that a woman had been sexually assaulted by a man.

The incident 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.

What has happened at the scene?

Officers sealed off the alleyway between Kirkland Street and Burnell Close while enquiries were carried out.

Police said house-to-house, CCTV and witness enquiries were under way in the area as detectives worked to establish what happened.

What do we know about the suspect?

Police have issued a description of a man they want to identify in connection with the investigation.

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

Police said he spoke with a St Helens accent and was wearing a dark blue puffer coat, dark blue jeans and white trainers.

He was also reportedly smoking a cigarette.

What have police said?

Detective Inspector Adam Smith said the woman had been left "clearly distressed by her ordeal" and was being supported by specially trained officers.

He said police understood how "shocking" the reported incident would be and sought to reassure the public that officers were doing everything they could to identify the person responsible.

The investigation remains in its early stages.

What are police asking for?

Detectives particularly want to hear from anyone who was in the area at around 2am.

Police have specifically appealed to taxi and delivery drivers who may have been travelling nearby and could have seen a man matching the description.

Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police through @MerPolCC on X or Facebook, through the force's website or by calling 101, quoting incident reference 26000918033.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.