Police believe Bishop's Stortford sex attacker who assaulted man was posing as a woman
Detectives investigating the serious sexual assault of a man in Bishop's Stortford last Christmas have revealed they believe the attacker was posing as a woman.
Hertfordshire Constabulary on Monday (June 8) renewed their appeal for information about the incident in the South Road area in the early hours of Saturday December 21, 2019, when a man in his 30s was targeted after a night out.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, is leading the investigation.
She said: "This was an extremely traumatic ordeal for the victim who, understandably, is still struggling to come to terms with what has happened to him. He is being supported by specialist officers at this time while the case progresses."
She continued: "This has been a highly complex and challenging investigation from the outset. We are now in a position to confirm that our enquiries have led us to believe the alleged suspect was a male who was posing as a female at the time of the incident.
"We are still very much appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward.
"Have you previously been approached in similar circumstances or do you know someone who has? Have you previously witnessed any activity in the area which you thought seemed a little suspicious? If so, we'd like to hear from you.
"The victim's bravery in reporting the incident is highly commendable, as the stigmas and myths around sexual assaults on men can often put people off contacting police.
"If you have been affected, please do not suffer in silence. Any information reported will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and in the strictest confidence. You can also report information anonymously through Crimestoppers if you would prefer to do so. There are also a range of support services available to offer advice if you do not feel able to contact police straight away."
On May 27, Wayne Rogers, 43, of Plaw Hatch Close in Stortford, was charged with assault by penetration, sexual assault and possession of a class A drug. He has been bailed to appear at Stevenage Magistrates' Court on July 22.
Anyone with information which could help the inquiry should call the incident room on 01707 355666, quoting Op Tapia.
Witnesses can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the force communications room online at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report information online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
* Herts SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) provides help and support to men, women and young people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Contact directly using the 24/7 free helpline number 0808 178 4448 or visit www.hertssarc.org.
* The charity Survivors UK provides support for male, trans and non-binary victims of sexual abuse. Call 0845 122 1201 or see www.survivorsuk.org.
