Woman dragged into car and raped by 2 men before fleeing | United Kingdom | News

Police have released surveillance video after a woman was dragged into a vehicle and raped before escaping and asking a dog walker for help.

Avon and Somerset have released door camera footage in the hope of identifying possible key witnesses to the serious sexual assault which occurred in Taunton on Thursday 8 August.

Detectives are investigating after a woman was called to a “small dark car” in South Street, Taunton, by two unknown men at around 12.15am.

The men forced the victim into the vehicle, where she was raped. The woman was able to escape her terrifying ordeal and approached a passing dog walker to ask how to get home.

The suspects, both described by the victim as being of mixed heritage, were approximately 6 feet tall and in their 30s.

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: “A man was described as being tall, with dark hair and a mustache. He wore a red polo shirt and had a tattoo on the back of his neck and wore a silver chain. The second suspect is described as being of slim build, with black hair. He had several piercings and had no facial hair.

“The woman managed to escape and approached a dog walker to ask for directions home. The dog walker is described as white, with blonde hair and walking a black dog.

“Officers would like to speak with the four people shown in the images above and in the clips below as we believe they may have important information to assist our investigation.”

Police have now released CCTV showing four people they want to speak to as potential witnesses overnight. They are described as “a woman walking a medium-sized dog with a fluorescent harness and a man in shorts” and “a man carrying a large backpack and a woman walking a small dog.”

Police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing and officers are supporting the victim throughout the investigation.

Neighborhood Inspector Jonathan Eamer said: “We understand that this can be a very alarming and distressing incident in the local community, but we believe this is an isolated incident with no other report of this nature.

“We support the victim during this time and commend her for her courage in coming forward.

“We are calling on the woman who came to the victim’s aid to come forward. We are also asking anyone driving or living in South Street, Taunton, who may have dash cam, doorbell or CCTV footage, to contact us as soon as possible.

“If you can help us with our enquiries, please call 101 and quote reference 5224207440.”