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Man raped near Heathrow; police seek witnesses

Thames Valley Police are appealing for information following a serious assault in an alleyway close to the airport.

Reporting desk London Crime News Desk||3 min read|London Crime News
London Borough of Hillingdon, A408 Roundabout - geograph.org.uk - 5726473Incident → evidence → outcome
London Borough of Hillingdon, A408 Roundabout - geograph.org.uk - 5726473Lewis Clarke via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A man in his twenties was raped in an alleyway near Heathrow Airport. The incident took place between 1am and 1.30am on Tuesday, September 22. Thames Valley Police are investigating the attack and have released a description of a suspect they are seeking.

The victim was walking on Lansdowne Avenue and crossed the road to enter a long alleyway beyond Pickford Gardens. He was approached by a man who exposed himself and then carried out the assault. The suspect spoke with a local accent, according to police.

Suspect Description

The suspect is described as a white man in his early twenties. He is approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, with a skinny build and short brown hair. He spoke with an English accent.

Police Appeal for Information

Detective Inspector Liam Butler of Thames Valley Police stated that the investigation is in its early stages and they are working to establish the full circumstances. He acknowledged that an incident of this nature will cause concern within the community.

A visible police presence will be in the area overnight and in the coming days to conduct enquiries and offer reassurance. Detective Inspector Butler urged anyone who may have seen the incident, or any part of it, to come forward.

Motorists with dash-cam footage recorded in the vicinity around the time of the offence are particularly encouraged to submit it, as it may assist the investigation. Information can be provided by calling 101, reporting online via the Thames Valley Police website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The police reference number for this incident is 43260493746.

Reader briefing

Questions this report answers

Q/A
01When did the incident occur?

The rape took place in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, between 1am and 1.30am. The victim was walking near Heathrow Airport when he was approached and assaulted in an alleyway.

02What is the suspect described as?

The suspect is a white man in his early twenties, approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, with a skinny build and short brown hair. He spoke with a local English accent.

03What is the police asking for?

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses and asking for any dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the assault. They are keen to identify the man described and establish the full circumstances of the attack.

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Heathrow rape: man attacked in alleyway | London Crime News