Merseyside Police are urgently appealing for public assistance to identify two potential witnesses who may hold crucial information regarding an alleged rape in Liverpool city centre. The appeal comes after a 30-year-old man was charged in connection with the serious incident that occurred in an alleyway off the bustling Hanover Street.
Detectives have released CCTV images of the two men, stressing they are sought purely as witnesses and are not suspected of any wrongdoing. The focus of the ongoing investigation has now shifted to gathering every possible piece of information to ensure a complete picture of the events is established.
Key Takeaways
- Adrian Paun, 30, of no fixed abode, has been charged with rape following an incident on Brooks Alley.
- The alleged attack reportedly took place in the early hours of Sunday, August 31.
- Merseyside Police have released CCTV images of two men they believe are potential key witnesses.
- Detectives emphasize the men are not suspects but may have vital information for the investigation.
- The public is urged to come forward if they recognize the individuals or have any information.
Man Charged in Connection with City Centre Attack
The investigation centers on an incident reported to have occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 31. A woman reported that she had been raped in Brooks Alley, a narrow passage located just off Hanover Street, an area known for its vibrant nightlife.
Following extensive inquiries, police arrested and subsequently charged Adrian Paun, a 30-year-old man of no fixed abode, with one count of rape. Mr. Paun has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, October 6, to face the charge.
While the charge represents a significant development, the police investigation remains active and thorough. Detectives are now meticulously working to corroborate evidence and build a comprehensive case file ahead of the court proceedings.
About the Location
Hanover Street and its surrounding alleys are central to Liverpool's retail and nightlife districts. Brooks Alley, situated in this high-traffic area, connects Hanover Street to other parts of the city centre. The early morning hours, particularly on a weekend, often see many people in the vicinity, which is why police believe potential witnesses may have been present.
Urgent Appeal to Trace Potential Witnesses
In a crucial next step, Merseyside Police have released still images captured from CCTV footage near the scene. The images show two men who were in the area around the time of the alleged incident. Investigators believe they may have seen or heard something significant, even if it seemed minor at the time.
Police are keen to stress the importance of these individuals coming forward. They are not considered suspects in any capacity. Instead, they are being treated as potentially vital witnesses whose accounts could provide critical context to the events of that morning.
One of the individuals in the footage is wearing a particularly distinctive item of clothing. According to detectives, the CCTV, though not perfectly clear, shows one of the men in a red and black jacket. This detail could be key to someone recognizing him or themselves in the images.
A Direct Plea from Investigators
Detective Constable Lindsey Harris, who is involved in the case, made a direct appeal to the men in the images and to the wider public for their help. Her statement underscores the sensitive nature of the witness appeal.
“I want to stress that we don’t believe the individuals in these images have done anything wrong, we just think they could have information to help our investigation. Although it’s difficult to make out facial features from the CCTV, one of the males is wearing a distinctive red and black jacket. If you recognise yourself in any of these images, please come forward because you could have information that proves vital to our inquiries.”
This clarification is crucial to encourage cooperation. Often, potential witnesses may be hesitant to contact the police, fearing they might be drawn into a complex situation. DC Harris's assurance aims to alleviate those concerns, emphasizing that their role is simply to help piece together the facts.
Incident Details at a Glance
- Allegation: Rape of a woman
- Location: Brooks Alley, off Hanover Street, Liverpool
- Date: Sunday, August 31
- Time: Approximately 2:30 a.m.
How You Can Assist the Investigation
Merseyside Police are urging anyone who recognizes the men in the CCTV images, or the men themselves, to make contact immediately. Even the smallest piece of information could be the missing link investigators need.
There are several ways for the public to provide information:
- Contact Merseyside Police directly via their social media desk on X (formerly Twitter) at @MerPolCC or on their official Facebook page.
- Report information through the official Merseyside Police website.
- Call the non-emergency number 101.
- When providing information, please quote the reference number: 25000720904.
For those who wish to provide information but remain completely anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers is available. They can be reached by calling 0800 555 111 or by filling out an anonymous online form on their website. Crimestoppers guarantees that your identity will never be revealed.
The cooperation of the Liverpool community is often essential in solving serious crimes. Police are confident that with the public's help, these vital witnesses can be identified, bringing investigators one step closer to securing justice.
