Woman in her 20s ‘raped at park in broad daylight’ as cops hunt ‘face-covered man’

Officers for Staffordshire Police were called to Central Forest Park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent following reports of a woman in her 20s being raped as a manhunt is launched for suspect

Police have launched a manhunt following reports of a woman being raped in broad daylight at a park in Stoke-on-Trent.

Staffordshire Police were called to Central Forest Park in Hanley, shortly after 12pm on Wednesday (17 June) after a woman in her 20s reported being raped at around 11.30am and 11.50am. The suspect had his face covered at the time and was wearing all black clothing. He was reportedly around 6ft 2 inches tall.

Police have been conducting a house-to-house trawl and been reveiwing CCTV in the area as they search for the suspect. They are also looking to speak with a jogger in the area at the time who came to check on the woman after the incident.

In a statement, Staffordshire Police said: “We are appealing for information and potential witnesses to come forward following a report of a rape in Stoke-on-Trent.

“We were called to Central Forest Park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, shortly after 12pm on Wednesday (17 June) after a woman in her 20s reported that she had been raped.

“The suspect left the area after it happened. They were described as having their face covered, wearing all black clothing and approximately 6ft 2 inches tall.

“The victim later reported the incident to police. Before she left the area, between 11.30am and 11.50am, a male jogger ran past her as she was coming out of a shrubbed area.

“He was running in the direction of the car park and asked her if she was okay. We are appealing for this man to contact us as he may be able to help with our enquiries. Specialist officers are supporting the victim.

“A house-to-house trawl and CCTV review of the area is continuing to take place alongside further enquiries.

“In the same area and at about 9.05am the same day, another woman was approached by a man in Central Forest Park, on the path near the ice-cream shop. The woman was walking her dog when a man came from behind her and told her he wanted to stroke her dog. He then walked off in the direction of Chell Street.

“While there is no confirmation these incidents may be linked, we are keeping an open mind. The suspect in this incident was described as a white man, older in appearance, wearing a green wax jacket, grey shorts and blue Crocs.

“We’re keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with our investigation who hasn’t already spoken to officers, or anyone who was in the park during these times and saw anything suspicious.

“Call 101 or use Live Chat on our website, quoting incident 325 of 17 June.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.