Police appeal for witnesses after harrowing 7pm attack in Chertsey as detectives hunt suspect described as teen with ‘slicked back blonde hair’
A 15-year-old girl was raped after being approached by two males near a library in a horrifying attack that has sparked a major police manhunt.
The teenage victim was with a friend when they were targeted outside Chertsey Library in Surrey at around 7pm on Friday evening, with one of the males later sexually assaulting her.
Surrey Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses and are hunting for a suspect described as being in his teens with slicked back blonde hair, who was wearing a white jumper, blue jeans and white trainers at the time of the attack.
The force revealed the disturbing details as they assured the public that a “full investigation” is underway to track down the attacker.
‘Extremely concerning’
Detective Sergeant Mihai Kerekes, who is leading the investigation, said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely concerning, and we want to reassure the public that a full investigation is underway to identify the person involved.
“Should you have any information that can assist us in identifying the suspect, please contact us quoting PR/45250077899.”
The attack happened at approximately 7pm on Friday, June 27, in the area around Chertsey Library, a normally quiet spot in the Surrey town.
Urgent hunt for suspect
Police have released a detailed description of the alleged attacker:
- Age: In his teens
- Hair: Blonde, slicked back
- Clothing: White jumper, blue jeans, white trainers
The second male who was with the suspect has not been described by police, who are focusing their efforts on identifying the primary attacker.
Community shocked
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community in Chertsey, with parents expressing alarm that such a serious assault could happen in broad daylight near a public library.
The incident occurred during the early evening when the area would typically have been busy with families and library users.
Surrey Police said in their statement: “We are appealing for witnesses after we received a report of a rape that occurred in the area around Chertsey Library on the evening of Friday, 27 June at approximately 7pm.
A 15-year-old girl was with a friend when they were approached by two males, one of whom later assaulted the girl.”
Appeal for information
Detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who:
- Was in the area around Chertsey Library between 6:30pm and 7:30pm on Friday evening
- Saw two teenage males matching the description
- Has dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area
- Noticed anything suspicious or unusual
The force is urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately.
How to help
Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police immediately through the following channels:
- Call 101 quoting reference PR/45250077899
- Use the Surrey Police website webchat service
- Submit information via the online reporting tool
- Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Support for victims
Support services are available for victims of sexual assault through:
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 802 9999
- Victim Support: 0808 1689 111
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
The investigation continues as police work to identify and apprehend the suspect.
