Gloucestershire Police have confirmed that they have charged a man with rape and two counts of sexual assault following the rape of an elderly woman last week in Gloucester.

A statement from Gloucestershire Constabulary said:

We’ve charged a man with the rape of an elderly woman in her own home in Gloucester last week.

Brady Hickman, 32 and from Gloucester, will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court later today (Monday 15 November) charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault by penetration.

The charges relates to the early hours of last Thursday (11 November), when police received a call after an elderly victim activated her Lifeline personal alarm.

Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Detective Sergeant Faye Satchwell-Bennett said: “Specially trained officers continue to support the victim, who has shown amazing bravery, strength and courage during this process.

“She wants to thank our officers and the community for the support she has received.”

Hickman was traced and arrested after members of the public responded to a police appeal over the weekend.