Police seek possible witness in rape investigation

Officers investigating a report of rape in Stoke-on-Trent have asked for a possible witness to come forward to assist their inquiries.

Police were called to Central Forest Park in Hanley on Wednesday, shortly after midday, when a woman in her 20s reported she had been raped.

They said the suspect was a man about 1.9m (6ft 2ins) tall wearing dark clothing, including a dark hoodie, and he was masked. He was described as "stocky".

They said they were looking to identify a woman who was in the area walking her dog, who may be an important witness.

She was described as an Asian woman, with a small brown and white dog.

Officers added they were no longer trying to identify a jogger who was in the area as a potential witness.

They said another woman was approached in the same area at about 09:00 BST the same day, on the path near the ice-cream shop.

This woman was walking her dog when a man came from behind her and told her he wanted to stroke her dog. He then walked off in the direction of Chell Street, officers said.

They said they were keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents were linked, but that there was no confirmation that they were connected.

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