Two teen girls ‘raped’ on beach as police launch appeal for witnesses and man is charged over sex attacks
TWO teen girls have allegedly been raped and sexually assaulted on a beach – with a man charged over the attacks.
Cops have charged a man and launched an appeal after the reported attack on Bournemouth Beach around 7.30pm on Sunday.
The girls were allegedly attacked in the area around the Bournemouth Oceanarium, with police called at 8.40pm.
They are now being supported by specially-trained officers while a probe into the alleged attack continues.
A 24-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested and charged with two counts of rape and two of sexual assault.
He is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court today, Dorset Police said.
Detective Inspector Mark Fursman said: “This remains an extensive ongoing investigation.
“I am appealing to anyone with information that might assist our enquiries to please come forward.
“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of the Oceanarium on Sunday evening to please come forward.
“I would also urge anyone who may have taken any footage or images from the beach on that evening.
“Please review the material to see if they have captured anything that might help our investigation.
“We fully recognise reports of this nature may cause concern for our local communities.
“I would like to reassure members of the public that there will be an increased policing presence in the vicinity.
“Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.
“We will also again be working with our partners to ensure a visible presence in the area of beach and seafront as we enter the summer.”
I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward
Detective Inspector Mark Fursman
DI Fursman added: “This has been a fast-moving and detailed investigation.
“We have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges.
“This matter is now the subject of court proceedings, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage.
“It is vital that the judicial process is allowed to follow its course and I would like to remind the public.
“There should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240074793.