Police Appeal To Sex Attack Victims
Saturday 3rd October 2009
Police have appealed for Swindon women who may have been sexually assaulted by a taxi driver to come forward.
Swindon CID is investigating at least two sex attacks on lone, vulnerable females in or around Swindon town centre.
Despite the “extremely serious” nature of the attacks officers have refused to reveal the exact number of similar sex assaults they are investigating and details of a charge laid against one taxi driver who is currently on remand.
However, last night Wiltshire Police revealed officers are concerned more women may have suffered similar serious sexual assaults.
A police spokesman said: “There are concerns that there may be other victims who, as yet, have not reported similar crimes to the police.”
The spokesman added one man in custody was suspected of committing “extremely serious” offences, and added: “It is recognised that some of the victims may feel unwilling to report this matter to the police.”
He said victims could receive counselling and assistance through a confidential helpline.
Acting Detective Inspector Steve Rivers said his team was investigating at least two serious sexual assaults, allegedly committed by a taxi driver in September.
He refused to reveal details of the ages of the victims, when and where exactly the attacks occurred and whether he was referring to a minicab driver or a Hackney carriage operator.
Wiltshire Police said a Swindon man has been charged with one sexual offence and is on remand, but refused to reveal his name, age, address and the exact nature of the accusation – details which are normally released as a matter of course to the public whenever a suspect is charged.
When asked why the details were not being made public, Acting Det Ins Rivers said: “It is early in the investigation and some parts of it are of a sensitive nature.”
He said he was keeping an open mind as to whether the offences were linked, and continued: “Serious sexual assaults are devastating for the victim.
“We want anybody that may have any information or who believes they may have been subjected to similar offences to come forward.”
Anyone who has suffered a similar attack or has information should call Det Insp Rivers on 01793 507897. Victims can also call New Swindon Sanctuary Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) confidentially on 0808 168 0024
Source; SwindonAdvertiser.co.uk
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