Man arrested following rape report in Southport's Chop House pub

A 44 year old male from Carlisle was arrested on:- Monday, 30 December 2024, on suspicion of rape. The arrest came following on from enquiries into a report being fled with Merseyside Polioce of a woman being raped, between:- midnight and 2 am on:- Friday, 27 December 2024, in the toilets of the Chop House pub on:- Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport.

Detective Inspector Carla Cross said:- "We take all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously, and following extensive enquiries we have detained a suspect in connection with this incident. We know the impact of such offences can be long-lasting on victims, and our specialist Unity team will provide specialist support to the victim in this case throughout the investigation and court process. While we are making progress with this investigation, we continue to appeal to the public and anyone who was in the Chop House or nearby in the early hours of Friday 27 December to consider if they saw anything that in hindsight seemed suspicious. Information from the public can and often does help to gather evidence that puts dangerous offenders behind bars, and I would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch."

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to:- DM @MerPolCC, or call:- 101, quoting reference:- '24001083885.' Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling:- 0800555111. Always call:- 999 if a crime is in progress.

If you have been a victim of sexual offence you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services. This help is also available to family and friends who are supporting the survivor.

These services can support you in a variety of ways, including:- offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a Police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.

If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation and court processes.

You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police. Please search for RASA or RASASC, if residing in the St Helens and Knowsley area.

Support is available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on:- 01515581801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on:- 01925221546 or 03303630063.

If you do not require immediate Police assistance then you can report rape and sexual assault via:- website.

Extra advice and support can also be obtained through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Victim Care Merseyside service which can be contacte on:- 08081753080, on weekdays, between:- 8 am and 6 pm, or visiting:- VictimCareMerseyside.Org.

Did you know that a Merseyside Police campaign to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls and help women and girls to feel safe and be safe across Merseyside is underway? To find out more about it please visit:- Merseyside.Police.UK.

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