Woman sexually assaulted by three men near tennis courts in Somerset village before attackers flee in white Ford Fiesta
A WOMAN was the victim of a savage sex attack by three men who left her lying near some tennis courts after a man walking his dog startled them.
The brutal assault has sent shockwaves through the sleepy village of Blagdon, deep in the Somerset countryside.
Police say the woman is ‘traumatized’ after being sexually assaulted by the trio at around 9pm on Friday, 21 July, in the Meads area of Blagdon.
They made off from the scene in a distinctive white Ford Fiesta which had a thick dark red stripe at the base of its doors.
There are fewer than 1,150 residents in close-knit Blagdon and detectives hope word will quickly spread to lead them to the trio.
Detective Sergeant Leanne Thomas from Avon and Somerset Police said “We’ve referred the woman to specialist support services as she is understandably traumatised by what has happened.
“Specialist officers will continue to keep her updated while being sensitive to the ordeal she has suffered.
“We’re urgently carrying out a number of enquiries as part of our investigation, one of which is this public appeal.
“We’re particularly keen on speaking to a man who was walking his dog in the area around the time of the incident as we believe he may have disturbed the offenders.
“He may have information without realising it which could aid our inquiry.
“We’d also like to speak to anyone else who was in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious as well as anyone who recognises the description of the vehicle or who has CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage which could help us.
“Incidents of this kind are extremely rare in North Somerset and in addition to carrying out a thorough investigation, we also have neighbourhood officers patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”
If you have any information, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223177626, or complete our online appeals form.
You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year.
Visit their website or call 0117 342 6999.