Sex assault on young woman in Weybridge

Feb 8 2010 By Vicki Eltis

A 19-year-old woman was pulled into a Weybridge car park and sexually assaulted in the early hours of Saturday.

The woman was pulled into the Elmbridge Borough-owned car park by Weybrideg Cricket Club in Princes Road, between 12.15am and 12.30am (February 6) by a man, who then pushed her to the ground and subjected her to a serious sexual assault. She managed to escape and ran back into Princes Road.

The victim was on a night out after leaving the area of the town close to Red bar, in Queens Road. It is believed she had been out in the town but had not been to Red.

Surrey Police are now appealing for witnesses but say at this early stage they will not release any further information regarding the nature of the assault.

They are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and would particularly like to speak to a group of three or four men who were standing close to a car parked in Princes Road to the attack. Shortly after the woman passed them, the group got into the car which drove off.

A Prince's Road resident, who asked to be anonymous, noticed the police tape on Saturday. She said: "I'm absolutely flabbergasted this has happened so close to home. My eldest son starts secondary school in September and we were looking forward to the summer and giving him a bit more freedom. It's awful. I hope they find whoever did this."

Detective Sergeant Nick Hemmant, who is leading the investigation, said: "This incident has understandably left the young victim very shaken and frightened. We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Princes Road area in the early hours of this morning and may have seen the woman or anyone acting suspiciously in the area to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to hear from the group that were standing by the car who may be able to help with our inquiries. At this stage there is nothing to suggested to suspect is known to the victim."

Ex-councillor David Whisson, who lives in nearby York Road, said: "This is shocking and upsetting. It makes you realise we all have to look out for each other."

He is now looking to set up a Neighbourhood Watch for Princes Road, York Road and the surrounding areas and will be setting up a letter drop for any residents who want to get involved over the next few days.

The man is described as possibly aged in his 30s with dark hair and wearing dark clothing.

Detectives at Staines CID are carrying out a thorough investigation into the incident and have been conducting house to house inquiries in the area.

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference EL/10/893, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.