Rape victim makes public appeal

A 19-year-old rape victim has spoken publicly about her ordeal in the hope that it will encourage people with information to come forward.

The woman was grabbed from behind and assaulted in Gatton Park Road, Redhill, Surrey, in the early hours of 24 May.

She said: "Before this happened I was confident and wouldn't even think twice about going out walking alone. Now I don't walk anywhere on my own."

The teenager urged anyone who might know her attacker to contact police.

She added: "When I go out I look at men and think 'could it be you' and I wonder if he's out in the same place as me. That scares me to think he knows who I am but I don't know who he is.

"I feel very different in myself I am not the same person since this happened. I am trying to move on and get everything back to normal."

Surrey Police Det Insp Juliet Parker said: "The victim has been brave enough to speak about her ordeal and I hope it will encourage anyone with any information about this to come forward.

"I am appealing to mums, sisters, girlfriends and friends to think about any change of behaviour a man may have shown lately.

"It may seem insignificant to you but could prove to be the vital piece of information that I need."

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