Police appeal for witnesses following rape of teenager in North Somerset

Avon and Somerset Police have issued an appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage following the rape of a woman in her late teens in North Somerset.

The incident occurred in the Rooksbridge area at approximately 1am on Monday 16 March 2026. The victim managed to flee the scene and was subsequently assisted by a member of the public.

Specific Witnesses Sought

Detectives are particularly keen to identify a woman who was approached by another woman asking for directions to Bridgwater on the morning of the incident. This witness is described as wearing a lanyard and was in the company of a small child at the time.

Furthermore, officers are appealing to any drivers who were in the following areas between 6am and 7.45am on 16 March:

• Rooksbridge
• Loxton
• Sevier Road
• Axbridge

Police are asking these motorists to check any dashcam footage for sightings of a woman walking alone in these rural areas.

Investigation Progress

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and has since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue. Officers have already carried out house-to-house enquiries, reviewed CCTV, and taken multiple witness statements.

Neighbourhoods’ Inspector Charmaine Dyne said: “A thorough investigation is underway, and we remain in contact with the victim who has been offered access to specialist support services. We would like to hear from any drivers who saw a woman in the area on the morning of March 16... no matter how small or trivial they may think it might be.”

Commitment to Safety

Inspector Dyne reiterated the force's stance on safety, stating that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and that all victims of sexual offences will be "heard, believed, and supported."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the police.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: Witness appeal linked to rape investigation Source Link 

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