Staffordshire Police are appealing for a jogger who may have crucial information about a rape in a Stoke-on-Trent park to come forward.
Rape at Central Forest Park
A woman in her 20s reported that she was raped at Central Forest Park in Hanley on Wednesday, June 17. The suspect had his face covered, wore all black clothing, and is around 6ft 2ins tall. He fled the scene, and the victim later reported the incident to police.
Appeal for Jogger
Before the victim left the area, between 11.30am and 11.50am, a male jogger ran past her as she was emerging from a shrubbery area. He was heading towards the car park and asked if she was okay. Police are urging this man to contact them as he may be able to assist with inquiries.
Detectives are also looking into a separate incident in the same park earlier that day. At around 9.05am, a woman walking her dog was approached by a man near an ice-cream shop. The man came from behind and asked to stroke her dog before walking off towards Chell Street. He is described as white, older in appearance, and wearing a green wax jacket, grey shorts, and blue Crocs.
Police are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked. Specialist officers are supporting the rape victim. A house-to-house trawl and CCTV review are ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or use Live Chat on the Staffordshire Police website, quoting incident 325 of June 17.
