Police have increased patrols following the rape of a woman in Bristol city centre at the weekend, as images of four men wanted in connection with the incident are released.
The attack occurred in the Assembly Rooms Lane area on Sunday, March 29 at approximately 3.05am, Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed.
A major investigation has since been launched, with the men thought to have travelled to the eastern part of the city between 3.30am and 4.00am.
The victim informed police that the suspects are Asian and thought to be in their twenties to thirties.
Police inquiries have resulted in obtaining images of four men they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond said the victim received a response within eight minutes of the incident and was taken to a place of safety.
He said: ‘Since Sunday a large number of investigative enquiries have taken place, including fast-track forensics analysis and reviewing security and CCTV footage.
‘Further lines of enquiry are being followed up, and while those are ongoing, we hope there will be people who can help us identify these four men.
Images of four men wanted in connection with a rape in Bristol centre centre have been released by police
The victim received a response from police within eight minutes of the attack and was taken to a place of safety
The attack occurred in the Assembly Rooms Lane area (pictured) on Sunday, March 29 at approximately 3.05am
‘They were not on the scene when police arrived, but were seen in the city centre on the night in question. We believe based off of our CCTV enquiries they then headed towards the eastern part of the city at about 3.30-4am on Sunday.’
DCI Almond described the crime as ‘awful’ and reassured the public it is being treated with the ‘utmost seriousness.’
He added: ‘Extra high-visibility patrols in the city centre have been carried out this week and these will continue across the bank holiday weekend.’
Avon and Somerset Police have asked anyone who can identify these men, or who may be able to assist with the investigation, to call 101 and quote reference number 5226085769 or log number 95 of 29 March.
