Woman Sexually Assaulted in Welling – Police Hunt Suspect
A woman was sexually assaulted just after midnight on Sunday, 14 July, while walking along Darwin Road in Welling.
The attacker, described as a tall white man wearing dark clothes and shorts, struck at around 12.45am before being disturbed by a nearby homeowner. He fled towards Eliot Close, vanishing into an alley between Wilsthorpe Road and Mannion Crescent.
Police Urge Residents to Check CCTV
The police are scrambling for help and have urged locals on these streets to review any CCTV footage between 12.30am and 1.30am that night:
- Wilsthorpe Road (between Pennyfields Boulevard and Ruskin Avenue)
- Ruskin Avenue (between Darwin Road and Wilsthorpe Road)
- Hickling Close
- Widdowson Road
- Bramley Road
- Keats Close
- Eliot Close
- Darwin Road
- Bradshaw Street
- Victoria Street
- Mannion Crescent
Detectives have been working round the clock, carrying out enquiries and making proactive patrols in the area.
Suspect Linked to Other Areas – Police Launch Regional Search
In a twist, information linking the man in the CCTV to areas in Coventry and Lancaster has come to light, widening the scope of the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Claudia Musson, leading the probe, called the attack “utterly sickening.” She said,
“We are working with colleagues across the region and nationally to bring the man responsible to justice. Patrols continue this weekend and there have been no further linked incidents.
“We have some very positive leads and the support of the local community. But I’m sure there’s more out there that can help us find this man.
“If you have CCTV footage from the listed streets, please contact us urgently – you might hold a crucial piece of the puzzle.
“And if you recognise the man in the footage, please come forward, in confidence if necessary.”
Community Urged to Share CCTV Clip
The police have released a CCTV still showing the suspect’s clothing and urge everyone to share the clip widely to help catch the attacker.
