Appeal for help in solving historic rape case

Police are investigating a report of a historic rape which happened in Whitleigh Woods between 1963 and 1968.

A male victim has come forward to police to report that he was seriously sexually assaulted by a man in the woods when he aged between seven and 10.

Detectives are now appealing to anyone who may have lived nearby or regularly visited the woods around the time of the offence as they may have vital information which could help them with their enquiries.

They are seeking an offender who is described as a white man who was tall, skinny and in his late teens to early 20s. He had short blonde hair and a severely pock marked/scarred complexion.

It is possible that this man lived in some kind of den within the woods.

Detective Constable Sarah Ronayne, from the Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse Investigation Team in Plymouth, said: “This victim has taken the courageous step in telling us about his experience and we will do all we can to investigate this crime.

“However, we do need the help of the public and especially would like to hear from residents who lived in the Whitleigh area of Plymouth in the 1960s as they may hold information in relation to identifying the attacker.

“I appreciate that this incident happened a long time ago but if anyone has any memory of this man or can offer any information about him we want to hear from you.”

Please contact the police on 101 quoting police crime reference CR/003945/15. You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.