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Arrest into sexual assault in Rochester High Street as man also held over assault on woman

16:53, 13 October 2022

updated: 18:35, 13 October 2022

A man has been arrested after an alleged sex assault in a town centre high street.

Officers patrolling Rochester High Street as part of ongoing efforts to ensure people remain safe at night in the town arrested two people following incidents on Friday and Saturday.

Two women were allegedly assaulted in Rochester High Street. Stock photo. Picture: Alex Watson
Two women were allegedly assaulted in Rochester High Street. Stock photo. Picture: Alex Watson

During their rounds on Friday, they arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman only moments earlier which is alleged to have happened in the street.

The suspect was taken to custody and has since been bailed until November 2 while inquiries continue.

The next day, officers stopped and assisted another woman who appeared to be distressed and who alleged her partner had just assaulted her in the High Street.

They located a man matching his description and he was arrested on suspicion of assault. The 24-year-old has since been bailed with conditions, until October 27.

District commander for Medway, Ch Insp Shona Lowndes said: "The results from this operation reinforces how important this work is.

"Not only were officers on hand to swiftly intervene and arrest suspects moments after the incidents were reported to have happened, reassuring victims and preventing any further criminality, but they were also able to gain a lot of intelligence which helps officers to respond and investigate future crimes.

Two men have been arrested and bailed. Stock image
Two men have been arrested and bailed. Stock image

"We want people, in particular women and girls, to enjoy visiting the towns during the evening and to ensure they do so in a safe and responsible manner.

"We will continue to run similar operations to ensure a visible police presence and to send a reminder to criminals that we can be anywhere at any time."

During the weekend, licensing checks were also made at 11 different venues and drink-spiking prevention kits given out to women.

These kits included a personal attack alarm, bottle cap, a hair scrunchie drink cover, a spiking test strip and safety leaflets.

Officers also provided crime prevention and personal safety advice to those women to remind them about staying safe while out socialising in the town.

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