Merseyside Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the alleged rape of a man in Liverpool city centre last month.
Officers were called to Temple Lane just before 5am on Friday 25 July following reports that a man in his 20s had been raped by another man. The force has now issued an appeal for information as part of their ongoing investigation.
Detective Constable Alexa Collins said police were keen to speak with the man shown in the CCTV footage to assist with their enquiries into the alleged attack, which she described as an “extremely traumatic experience” for the victim.
“We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and we are very keen to speak with the person featured in the images to help with our enquiries,” DC Collins said. “This was an extremely traumatic experience for the victim and we are working hard to ensure the person responsible is identified.”
The detective constable urged the man in the images to come forward, adding: “We hope this man can come forward to assist with our enquiries or that others may recognise him and provide this information to the police.”
According to police, extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted since the incident was reported. A cordon was put in place on Temple Lane and Victoria Street immediately after the alleged assault whilst officers carried out their initial investigation.
The victim, a man in his 20s, continues to receive support from specialist officers, Merseyside Police confirmed.
Detective Sergeant Rebecca Robinson, who spoke shortly after the incident, said: “We are in the early stages of the investigation and the victim is being closely supported as our enquiries continue. I’d urge anyone who was in the area of Temple Lane at around 5am this morning and saw anything suspicious, or who was passing in a car, taxi or any vehicle to check their footage.”
The force emphasised the seriousness with which they treat sexual offences and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. DC Collins added: “We also encourage people to come forward if you know anything about the incident which will help with our investigation.”
In their statement, Merseyside Police said: “Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man who may have information that could assist enquiries following a rape in Liverpool city centre. Officers received a report just before 5am on Friday 25 July that a man in his 20s was raped by a man on Temple Lane.”
The investigation comes as police continue their efforts to ensure safety in Liverpool city centre, with officers regularly patrolling the area as part of ongoing initiatives to prevent and respond to serious crimes.
DS Robinson acknowledged the impact such incidents have on the community: “We understand the concern that such incidents cause in our communities, so come forward with any information and we will take action.”
Merseyside Police have provided multiple ways for people to get in touch with information. Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images or who has any information about the incident is asked to contact the force via their social media desk on X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.
People can also report information via the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101, quoting reference 25000611851. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The force stressed that anyone wanting to report a sexual offence will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In emergencies, people should always call 999.
Merseyside Police also highlighted the availability of specialist support services for victims of sexual assault and rape. These services are free of charge and available to anyone, with no requirement for a referral or to have reported an incident to police beforehand.
Support services can assist victims in various ways, including offering confidential discussions for those considering making a police report but who are unsure about what the process involves. If victims do decide to report to Merseyside Police, they will receive support throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside, who can be contacted on 0151 558 1801. In St Helens and Knowsley, support is available from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue their work to identify the person responsible for the alleged attack.
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