10:32am Saturday 20th March 2010
POLICE have appealed for a key witness to come forward, exactly a month after a rape investigation was launched in York.
A massive manhunt was carried out in the city after an 18-year-old woman was reportedly attacked in Chapelfields, on the evening on February 20.
North Yorkshire Police yesterday said more than 30 people had come forward and been interviewed, and appealed for a man in his 20s to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw, heading the investigation, said: “Police are keen to trace a potential witness who was seen in Askham Lane, Acomb, between 7pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, February 20.
“He is described as white, about 25 to 30 years old, 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build, with black hair with a fringe, which ran across his forehead about half an inch above his eyebrows.
“He had a large nose and stubble. He was wearing a hooded top underneath a thick, hooded jacket. He also had light-coloured jeans on, which were covered in mud.
“We would ask anyone who saw this man at the relevant time to contact the police, or even better for him to come forward himself to help the investigation.”
Nobody has yet been arrested. Det Supt Raw said a number of lines of inquiry were being pursued.
He said: “The investigation has received excellent support from the local community throughout the past month.
“However, if someone has further information that could assist the police, then it is still not too late to come forward.
“If there is any doubt about contacting the police directly, then simply pass the information on to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous.
“Residents have really pulled together and helped to raise awareness about the police appeal for witnesses and information.”
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