Police appeal over St Ives beach assaults on women

18 October 2019, 21:03

Police are investigating after two women were assaulted on a beach in Cornwall.

The women were both attacked in separate incidents on Porthminster Beach, St Ives.

In the first incident on August 23 a woman told police she was victim of a sex assault in an attack on the beach in the early hours of the morning.

During the second attack on Wednesday 18 September, a woman in her 30s, was assaulted inside a tent which was on the beach.

Superintendent Adrian Leisk said: “We have received two separate allegations, both having taken place in the early hours of the morning. The first on Friday 23 August, the second on Thursday 19 September with both occurring on Porthminster beach.

“In both incidents, the female victims were subjected to a serious assault.“Clearly these two reports are very concerning and we continue to concentrate our efforts to identify the offender. Whilst these two attacks are similar in their nature, we are keeping an open mind that they may not in-fact be linked.

“On both occasions, the victims were alone when they were assaulted.

“Whilst these incidents are extremely rare in St Ives it is important that people remain vigilant. We ask that people look out for each other and to not walk alone in isolated areas; stay with friends during a night out and ensure journeys home are arranged.

“We have attended local schools to give safety advice and offer reassurance and we have arranged extra police patrols in the area.

“We are also appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area during the date of either attack and who saw or heard anything suspicious.”

A 32-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released on police bail until 7 November.

Anyone with any information please contact Devon and Cornwall Police via 101 quoting crime reference log 344 18/10/19 or via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.