Rape, Newtown in Exeter

Police have arrested a man in connection to a rape that took place last weekend in Exeter.

An investigation was launched after it was reported that a woman aged in her 20s was raped in Russell Street in the Newtown area of Exeter, in the early hours of Sunday 3 October.

Earlier today (Tuesday 5 October), officers from British Transport Police arrested a 19-year-old man at Exeter St David’s train station on suspicion of rape; he is now in police custody and awaits interview.

Lead officer Detective Inspector Emma LeFort said: “The victim is a woman in her 20s and she is currently being supported by health professionals and specialist trained officers following this attack.

“We continue to review CCTV and we are appealing for witnesses; we wish to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who was the area between 2.45am-4.15am on Sunday 3 October. If you were in area of Jurys Inn and Belmont Chapel on Western Way, or Russell Street which is near to the Triangle Car Park then please contact the police as you could have information vital to the investigation.

“If you have a property in the area then please retain your CCTV footage and contact us on 101. If you were driving through the area during this time-period and have dashcam footage that could be of interest, please also contact the police as soon as possible.”

If you have any information or footage that can aid police with this investigation, please contact 101 or 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/086069/21.

--- Note to readers: This message has been disseminated by Devon and Cornwall Police - please visit their official website for further information.