Schoolgirl rape claim investigated

Police are appealing for witnesses

An investigation has been launched into the alleged rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl from north Wales.

The teenager, from Hawarden, claims she was out in Chester city centre on Friday night when she met a young man and became separated from her friends.

We feel confident someone will have walked past the couple and maybe not even realised what was going on.

Detective Constable Dave Cannell

The pair walked to Bell Tower Walk, near the city walls, at about 2330 GMT, where the girl says the man raped her.

A 23-year-old man from Northamptonshire was later arrested and released on police bail.

Cheshire Police are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward, as the area near the Cathedral is often busy at that time with people leaving pubs and restaurants.

"At 2330 GMT on a Friday night, Chester city centre can almost be as busy as it is on a Saturday afternoon," said Detective Constable Dave Cannell from Cheshire Police.

"Young people are heading from pubs to clubs, and couples and young people are leaving restaurants and making their way home.

"We feel confident someone will have walked past the couple and maybe not even realised what was going on.

"The victim herself recalls seeing several people walk past at the time," he added.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 01244 350222.