NEWS | Police investigation continuing and extra police patrols taking place this evening following reports of a rape near the River Wye in Hereford

West Mercia Police are continuing to investigate reports of a rape near the River Wye in Hereford.

Extra patrols will be taking place along the River Wye in Hereford, especially at night, following a number of incidents over recent weeks. Two rapes have been reported in the space of a week and a separate report of a male exposing himself to a female has also been made.

Police say at present, no evidence shows that these incidents are linked, but that officers are continuing to keep an open mind.

A police cordon has been in place on the Victoria Bridge in Hereford today, with investigation work taking place throughout the day. Police were alerted by West Midlands Ambulance Service at around 11pm on Sunday evening that a woman had been raped between the Tennis Courts and the Victoria Bridge in Hereford between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday evening. Officers then quickly descended on the area and cordoned off a wide area from the Old Bridge, to the Victoria Bridge.

West Mercia Police then released the following statement this morning, confirming reports that a woman had been raped in Hereford.

An investigation has been launched following a rape near Victoria Bridge in Hereford yesterday (Sunday 7 August).

We were called by the ambulance service shortly after 11pm when the victim disclosed to paramedics that she had been raped.

It’s believed the incident took place on the river path between the tennis courts and Victoria Bridge between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday 7 August.

A cordon is currently in place on the river paths around Victoria Bridge while investigations take place.  The cordon is likely to remain in place for most of today.  Please avoid the area.

Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire, said: “I understand that this incident will cause significant concern within the local community, particularly as there have been a number of similar ones in recent weeks.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously and thorough investigations are taking place.  The victims are being supported by specially trained officers.

“There is nothing evidentially to link the recent incidents, however we are keeping an open mind and pursuing all lines of enquiry.

“There will be an increased police presence around the river paths over the coming weeks, particularly during the late evening and overnight.”

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything or have information or dash-cam footage which may help with the investigation is asked to please report it online under the Tell Us About section of the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 22/78581/22.

If you are unable to report this online please ring 101.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.