Woman raped in Hartcliffe area of Bristol

Police are appealing for witnesses and information to identify two distinctive men after a woman was raped in Bristol.

In the early hours of Sunday November 4, a 24 year old woman was walking along Fulford Road in Hartcliffe in the direction of Hawkfield road. On her journey she saw a red car, similar to a Ford Fiesta with a large exhaust, parked opposite the Fulford Arms public house. As she walked passed it, two men grabbed her and pulled her into the car where she was assaulted and subjected to rape. The woman managed to struggle free and run off in the direction of Hawkfield Road.

Detective Inspector Mike Buck, Head of Operation Bluestone said:

"This was an isolated incident in which a lone woman was targeted by these men and subjected to violent attack. Investigations are ongoing, and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen these two men, one of whom had a distinctive mole or tattoo on the left side of his cheek and the other a black teardrop tattoo under his right eye. These men were seen in a red car in the area between 3am and 4am. I am also keen to speak to a man who come to the assistance of the victim after she sought refuge in his garden a few street away. He may have valuable information that could help us. I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this incident, or the people who committed this crime to come forward and contact us in confidence."

The first man is described as mixed heritage, in his early 30's, tall and of a skinny build. He had very short brown hair and a round dark coloured mole (or similar) to the left hand side of his cheek. He was wearing a blue Rock Port jumper with the words Rock Port written in black on the left hand breast of the jumper.

The second man is described as white, in his early 30's, of a stocky build, with short ginger hair. He has a black coloured tear drop tattoo under his right eye and was wearing dark blue jeans and a black short sleeved round neck top.

Chief Inspector Bill Halsey said:

"Incidents like this are extremely rare in the Hartcliffe area; however I would urge everyone to remain vigilant and think about your personal safety. We are increasing patrols in the area and would encourage anyone who see's anyone who fits the description of the men or the car to come forward and contact us. If you are a resident in the area and are concerned we would urge you to come and talk to us."

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at Operation Bluestone on 101 quoting crime reference number 120550/12. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org