Police issue update on Central Forest Park rape investigation
It happened earlier this month
Police are continuing to progress inquiries into a report of a rape at Central Forest Park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
Over the weekend, officers say they have seen lots of commentary on social media suggesting that further descriptions of the suspect have been given to them, including the possible ethnicity.
They are emphasising this is not true.
From the outset of this investigation, they say they have included as much information as they know, in order to help us progress their inquiries.
The force said: "Claims suggesting we are deliberately withholding information over the possible ethnicity of the suspect are completely false.
"Officers were called to Central Forest Park in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, shortly after 12pm on Wednesday 17 June after a woman in her 20s reported that she had been raped.
"The full description of the suspect as we currently know it is a man, around 6ft 2ins tall and of a stocky build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a dark hoodie, and was masked."
Superintendent David Kelsall, from the public protection unit, said: “Officers are continuing to work around the clock to investigate this report and to support the victim.
“False claims online are not helping and can cause significant damage to the integrity of our investigation.
“I’d like to reassure local communities that we will use every tactic at our disposal to identify those suspected of sexual offences, no matter who they are.
“If you haven’t already spoken to officers and you have information that can help, I’d urge you to get in touch.”
Call 101 or use Live Chat on their website, quoting incident 325 of 17 June.
To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.