Girl, 16, raped on Valentine's Day: Bristol City centre
(BS2 - Friday, 13 March, 2009)

Police are urgently looking to identify a man they believe could help solve the case of a 16-year-old Bristol girl who was raped in the city on Valentine's Day morning (Saturday, February 14).

The man, seen walking in the St Werburgh's area at the time of the incident, took a nearly identical route to the victim just two minutes later, which means he may have seen or heard something which could prove vital to the investigation.

Detective Inspector Will White, leading the case, said:

"The image is remarkably clear, so we are very hopeful that someone will come forward to identify the man we are so keen to speak to.

"I need to emphasise that he is not a suspect in the case, but he could be important to us as he was only a couple of minutes behind the victim for some time."

A team of detectives continues to work on the incident, which happened on Minto Road, St Werburghs, at around 5.15am.

The 16-year-old victim had been enjoying a night out with friends at the Clockwork Nightclub in Stokes Croft beforehand.

She walked part of the way home with two male friends, but continued her journey alone, which is when the offender struck.

"This was a living nightmare for the victim, who was approached from behind and threatened with a knife before being raped in a small lane," said DI White.

"We have previously issued an e-fit of the offender, but are hoping for a stronger response to the CCTV images. I would urge people to take a close look at the man we are so keen to speak to and call us if they recognise him.

"A young woman has been left seriously traumatised by this incident and we are determined to catch the man who subjected her to this ordeal."

Additional CCTV images show other potential key witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone who recognises themselves from the images or believes they can identify one or more of the people, should contact the police Serious and Major Crime Unit on 0845 456 7000.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Avon and Somerset

Address:
St Werburgh's
Bristol
AVON
BS2