Drivers may hold key information for Bognor sexual assault investigation

Detectives investigating the sexual assault of a woman in Bognor Regis believe that vehicle drivers or their passengers may have important information that could identify a suspect.

The victim, a local woman in her 30s, had left Tesco in Shripney Road around 11.30pm on Friday, July 7, shortly before the attack. CCTV shows that she was in Durban Road about ten minutes later, but extensive enquiries have, as yet, not identified the man responsible.

However, DC Juliette Kinch believes that someone locally may have vital information. "We have viewed a lot of CCTV and this shows that there were many cars and other vehicles in the area at the time, along with people on foot. It's possible that somebody saw something that will help us,” she said.

"The victim recalls being hit and passing out in bushes at the junction of Orchard Way and Durban Road. She remembers a man's face, which she describes as olive-skinned, with dark cropped hair, beard and moustache. He spoke with an English accent.

"Forensic tests, including DNA, have not provided any further lines of enquiry, so we are hoping that this appeal may jog the memories of people who were in the area at the time or who may have dashcam or other CCTV footage that could assist."

If you have any information about the incident or were in the area on that night and have any recollection, however small, that you think may assist with the investigation, please report online or call 101 quoting Operation Tibberton. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111.