Appeal for information after woman ‘followed’ and allegedly sexually assaulted in Cathays

South Wales Police is appealing for information after a woman was followed and allegedly sexually assaulted in Cathays.

The victim told officers that she was followed by a man from Pulse nightclub, on Churchill Way, out of the city centre and sexually assaulted under the railway bridge close to Senghenydd Hall.

The victim then said she ran onto Salisbury Road and the suspect was last seen under the bridge.

The police has since put out a public appeal for information regarding the alleged sexual assault which has left the victim with “trouble sleeping” and unable to “leave the house”.

Officers investigating the case have released a photograph of a man they believe could help with their enquiries, and they urge anyone who thinks they know the male in the CCTV image or the man himself to contact South Wales Police.

The case was made public after featuring on a the latest episode of BBC’s Crimewatch Live where detectives called for help with their investigation.

DI Todd said on the show on Friday’s episode: “What is quite chilling is the way in which he positions his body across her to ensure that she has to brush past him as she goes past. As soon as she leaves the club, he turns immediately around and follows her through the streets of Cardiff.

“He spent a period of time following her at a distance. He even made an effort to cross the road to create a distance. As they go onto St Andrew’s Place he quickens up and approaches her. He engaged her in very sexually explicit conversation before placing his hand up her skirt, and grabbing her around the neck.”

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The detective inspector then added that the man was later seen walking “nonchalantly” back into the city centre after the attack.

The man has been described by the victim as “middle Eastern in appearance, in his 20s, about 5ft 11ins with dark hair and dark eyes. He was wearing a distinctive beige gillet that was unzipped with a white T-Shirt underneath and dark trousers”.

Talking about the victim, DI Todd said: “The young victim, only 23 years of age, had been for a night out with friends in Cardiff city centre and was going home when she was approached by a man and sexually assaulted.

“The attack had had a lasting effect on her, she thinks about it every day and she has trouble sleeping. It’s made her anxious and it’s taken her weeks to leave the house.”

In a statement, South Wales Police has also said: “Extensive enquiries have been conducted since the matter was reported and the victim is being supported. Anyone with information, or the individual himself, is asked to contact police.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact South Wales Police on 101.

Featured image via Google Maps

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