Key witness identified in Chard teen assault case following public appeal - 🚨
Report by Stephen Collier for Pulman's Weekly News
Police have successfully identified a key witness to a serious incident in Chard, during which a teenage girl was sexually assaulted earlier this year.
Avon and Somerset Police issued a public appeal on Thursday, 29th May, releasing images of a man believed to have assisted the victim immediately following the attack.
The appeal proved effective, with officers confirming on Friday, 30th May, that the man has now been identified.
The incident occurred on Friday, 22nd March, when a girl in her mid-teens was approached and assaulted while walking along a footpath near Zembard Lane.
A man in his 50s was arrested on the day of the offence and later released on conditional police bail as investigations continue.
According to police, the girl sought help from a passer-by after the assault. His identity had been unknown until now, despite efforts from investigating officers to trace him.
A police spokesperson stated: “Yesterday we issued an appeal and a photo of a man we wished to trace who we believed may have been a potential witness to a sexual assault in Chard in March. We’re pleased to say that the appeal has led to the man being identified.”
Uniformed officers have carried out targeted patrols in the area since the incident. Police emphasise that they are not aware of any similar reports in the vicinity, and have reassured residents that this appears to be an isolated case.
Sergeant Karen Pattison said: “This was a shocking incident and one which was terrifying for the victim. We have made sure that appropriate support is in place, and we continue to keep her regularly updated with the progress of the investigation.
“Thankfully, the person we were trying to identify helped make sure she was safe, and we’re very grateful for their help on that day.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Police continue to encourage anyone with further information to come forward by contacting Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5224072837.
