CCTV footage of a hooded man has been released by detectives after a sleeping woman was raped in her own home by a burglar.
Cheshire Police released the video after the incident in the Orford Lane area of Warrington, at around 5.30am on Sunday, October 2. The man shown sports a dark beard and is wearing a Jack Jones top, a black zip-up coat with the hood up, jeans and white trainers.
He is also pulling along a suitcase on its wheels and what appears to be a briefcase or similar sized item in his right hand. Cheshire Police said the culprit is believed to have walked along O'Leary Street after the attack.
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The offender is believed to have stolen the suitcase from the victim's home. Superintendent Mike Evans said: "The investigation is very much ongoing with a number of enquiries underway and as part of these we are keen to identify the man shown in the CCTV footage as we believe he may be able to help with our investigation.
"We know that the man was walking away from the area, carrying a suitcase, a short time after the incident occurred, he was last sighted passing by Peninsular House on O’Leary Street. I am appealing to anyone who may recognise the man and I would also like to urge the man himself to come forward and contact us.
"The same goes to anyone who has any video footage - dashcam, video doorbell or home security - that they have not yet passed to police."
A 26-year-old man was initially arrested in connection with the incident but has since been released on police bail.
Detectives are still urging the residents in the area to remain vigilant by ensuring they keep windows and doors locked. Superintendent Evans added: "Thankfully, attacks such as these are extremely rare – nevertheless, I would urge residents to be vigilant and make sure their homes are well secured.
"I hope that our large police presence in the area will reassurance those in the local community that we are working tirelessly to find the man responsible, and I would urge anyone who or information that may help us to speak to an officer."
Anyone who believes that they may have information in relation to the incident can report it to Cheshire Constabulary via https://mipp.police.uk or go direct to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/07CH19D14-PO1.
Alternatively, call 101 quoting reference number IML 1379409.
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