Police have issued an urgent appeal for a woman who was sexually assaulted in a Gloucester TK Maxx store to come forward after arresting a 33-year-old man in connection with the incident. The assault occurred at the Northgate Street branch on Tuesday, 29 July, when a man allegedly grabbed a woman’s buttocks inside the shop.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed they arrested a man from Powys on suspicion of sexual assault after the victim and her friend reported the incident to the store manager, who immediately contacted authorities. Officers arrived at the scene around 4.50pm and apprehended the suspect as he attempted to leave the premises.
However, the two women had departed before police could take their details or statements, and subsequent CCTV searches have failed to identify them. The arrested man has been released on bail pending further enquiries as officers seek to speak with the victim about the assault.
Description of Women Released
Police have released descriptions of both women in hopes the public can help identify them. the victim is described as being in her 20s with blonde hair and was wearing black clothing at the time of the incident. Her companion is described as being in her 30s with black hair and was wearing an orange top.
Gloucestershire Constabulary is urging anyone who recognises these descriptions or knows the women involved to contact them through their website, quoting incident 352 of 29 July. Officers stressed the importance of the victim coming forward to provide her account of what happened.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of sexual assaults in retail environments, where perpetrators often believe they can act with impunity in crowded public spaces. The quick thinking of the women in reporting to the store manager enabled a swift police response and arrest.
Rising Sexual Assault Statistics
The Gloucester incident comes against a backdrop of concerning sexual assault statistics across England and Wales. According to the Office for National Statistics, police recorded 71,670 rape offences in 2024/25, marking a sixfold increase since 2002/03.
Sexual assault cases have shown a particularly sharp rise, with 193,566 sexual offences recorded by police in the year ending March 2022, the highest level on record. This represents a 31 per cent increase compared to the previous year, though experts attribute some of this rise to improved reporting practices and increased victim confidence in coming forward.
Despite these increases in reporting, conviction rates remain troublingly low. Of 70,330 rape cases reported in March 2022, only 2,223 led to charges being brought. This disparity between reports and prosecutions continues to be a major concern for victim support organisations.
Barriers to Reporting
The Gloucester case illustrates common challenges in sexual assault investigations. Many victims leave scenes before providing statements, often due to shock, embarrassment, or uncertainty about the reporting process. Research shows that 40 per cent of adults who are raped do not report it to authorities.
Fear of humiliation remains the primary barrier, cited by 34 per cent of victims who choose not to report. Other factors include concerns about not being believed, fear of the legal process, and worries about privacy. Only 10-15 per cent of sexual offences are ultimately reported to police.
Victim Support, a national charity, reported handling 26,641 referrals for sexual assault cases in the year ending March 2022, up from 9,114 five years earlier. Approximately 80 per cent of these referrals involved female victims, with 53 per cent aged between 16 and 35.
Store Safety Measures
The TK Maxx store on Northgate Street is part of the Safe Space Scheme, which provides support for people feeling vulnerable while shopping. The store, located at 13-23 Northgate Street, operates Monday through Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
The incident has raised questions about security measures in retail environments, where sexual assaults can occur quickly in crowded aisles. Retail workers are increasingly trained to respond to such incidents, as demonstrated by the store manager’s immediate contact with police.
Security experts recommend that stores maintain clear CCTV coverage, train staff in incident response, and create environments where victims feel safe reporting assaults. The swift action taken by TK Maxx staff in this case enabled police to make an arrest, though the investigation remains incomplete without the victim’s testimony.
Legal Process and Support
The arrested man’s release on bail is standard procedure while police conduct further investigations. Sexual assault, defined as unwanted sexual touching without consent, carries serious legal consequences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
For victims of sexual assault, numerous support services are available. Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre provides free, confidential support to survivors across the county. The national Rape Crisis helpline operates 24/7 on 0808 500 2222.
Police emphasise that victims are never at fault for sexual assaults and encourage anyone who has experienced such crimes to come forward. Reports can be made directly to police on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Importance of Victim Testimony
While the arrest represents positive police action, prosecutions for sexual assault heavily rely on victim testimony. Without the woman’s statement, building a robust case becomes significantly more challenging, potentially allowing perpetrators to escape justice.
Detective Constable Annabel Brittain, speaking about sexual assault cases generally, said: “We work tirelessly to ensure individuals are put before the courts and victims receive the justice they deserve.” The sentiment underscores why police are so eager to speak with the Gloucester victim.
The case also highlights the importance of bystander intervention and reporting. The victim’s friend played a crucial supporting role, and the store manager’s immediate action enabled the police response. Such community vigilance remains vital in combating sexual violence.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, Gloucestershire Police remain hopeful the victim will come forward. They have assured complete confidentiality and sensitive handling of her case. The incident serves as a reminder that sexual assault can occur anywhere and that swift reporting greatly aids investigations.
For those who may know the women involved or have information about the incident, police stress the importance of making contact. Even small details could prove crucial in ensuring the case proceeds through the justice system.
The broader challenge of addressing sexual assault in public spaces continues to require coordinated efforts from law enforcement, retailers, and communities. While this arrest demonstrates that perpetrators can be caught, achieving justice ultimately depends on victims feeling safe and supported enough to participate in the legal process.
Anyone with information should contact Gloucestershire Police through their website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk, quoting incident 352 of 29 July. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers.
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