Hereford riverside sex attacks: police arrest after fifth report

He remains in police custody as investigations continue into the alleged “serious sexual offence” in the early hours of Saturday morning, police said.

Officers from West Mercia Police were called to the Castle Green area of the city after patrolling officers were told of the incident on the riverside path between the Victoria Bridge and the Cotteswold Dairy.

RELATED NEWS:

• Hereford riverside sex attacks: Fifth reported in three weeks
• Four arrests after five Hereford sex attacks reported – what we know so far
• Women stand in solidarity in Hereford after riverside reports

A spokesperson said that officers have been carrying out high visibility foot patrols along the river paths after four alleged attacks since July 31.

Police said it was these patrolling officers were informed of the incident.

The incident follows several attacks on the riverside path in the past few weeks, and cordon remains in place after the latest.

OTHER NEWS:

• Stephen tells of significance of first home in Hereford after 15 years homeless
• Floral tributes left on doorstep after death of Kacper in Skegness tragedy
• Annoyed Herefordshire dad can't leave home with pushchair as lorries block door

In a two-week period from July 31, two rapes, a sexual assault and an indecent exposure were all reported near the river in the city.

Police had already arrested three people, one person on suspicion of the rape reported to have happened in the early hours of July 31, one person in connection with an alleged flashing on August 3, and one yesterday following an alleged sexual assault that happened on the river path between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields on August 12.

No one has been charged.

This latest incident comes just hours after an organised vigil was held last night to show solidarity for the victims of the previous attacks.