Woman Sexually Assaulted In Bishop’s Waltham

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in Bishop’s Waltham.

The incident took place on Boxing Day but police have only released details today.

They are especially appealing to three dog walkers in the area to come forward and speak to them.

A police spokesperson said: “It was reported to us that at approximately 9.30am on Boxing Day, a woman in her 40s was walking near to the old Railway Line when a man sexually assaulted her. The assault took place on a section of the Railway Line close to Sainsbury’s petrol station.

“Since this incident was reported to us we have been following a number of lines of enquiry available to us and would now like to hear from three people who were in the area at the time waking their dogs.

“We believe that there were two women and a man walking their dogs behind the victim when the man approached her and assaulted her.

“Were you walking your dog on the old Railway Line at around 9.30am on Monday 26 December? Did you see the assault or the moments leading up to it? Perhaps you saw a man who appeared to be following a woman or acting suspiciously?

“Perhaps you have mobile phone video footage or photos from the area at the time that may assist our enquiries? Or perhaps you live locally and have CCTV or Ring Doorbell footage from near the area at the time?”

Detective Constable Gemma Hodgkinson, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have been following numerous lines of enquiry into this incident and are now really keen to speak to these two women and one man seen walking their dogs close to the victim and the man who assaulted her shortly before the attack.

“If you believe this was you, or if you saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, please get in contact. I know that members of the local community will be concerned to hear of this incident, however I would like to reassure residents that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider community at the current time.”

Police say the victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information who police have not yet spoken to is asked to call them on 101 quoting reference 44220518101. Alternatively, go online and submit information via https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/