Man no longer suspect in Barnstaple attacks

Search for offender continues

A man arrested in Manchester following a sexual assault in Barnstaple last month has been released and is no longer being treated as a suspect.

Two women have been attacked in the North Devon town in the past few weeks, but police have not been able to say if they are linked.

One incident was in the Gorwell Estate area of Bear Street between 3.15 a.m. and 3.40 a.m. on Sunday 25 September. 

A second assault was on the corner of Derby Road and Beaufort Walk, Barnstaple, between 2.30 a.m. and 3.15 a.m. on Sunday 2 October.

Two days later police in Manchester arrested a man in his twenties on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police on suspicion of assault.

However, he has now been ruled out of either attack. He is now on police bail with strict conditions in relation to a separate assault linked to the Barnstaple area.

North & West Devon commander, superintendent Toby Davies said: “We understand that today’s update could cause concerns for women in the Barnstaple area, especially as we approach the weekend and people look to enjoy a night out.

“I want to reassure you all that we are doing everything we can to ensure that Barnstaple is a safe place for women, there will be an increased police presence in the area and in support of the evening and night-time economy.

“These attacks on women by men are simply unacceptable; women should be able to go out at night without feeling unsafe or at risk of attack and all of us should be able to walk alone without fear, no matter the time or location.

“We continue to ask that our public report anything suspicious to the police and report any behaviour that has made you feel uncomfortable in bars and clubs to venue staff; please walk with friends and use licenced taxis to get everyone home safely at the end of a night out.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have created an online portal to allow anyone with footage that could aid the investigation into the serious assaults in Barnstaple, to easily share this directly with the investigators.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone with dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage between the areas of Bear Street, Derby Road, Gorwell Road, Alexandra Road and Beaufort Walk.

This footage can be uploaded to the site: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC22S05-PO1.

Anyone with information which may assist police on this case is asked to contact 101 or via our website quoting log 18 of 26 September.

You can also pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone 0800 555 111.

Anyone affected by the content in this report can access additional support from Womens Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk 0808 200 0247 or helpline@womensaid.org.uk.