Hunt continues for supermarket rapist

Police investigating the rape of an eleven-year-old girl in a supermarket toilet will be conducting checks at the supermarket tonight, a week after the attack.

Police and staff at Sainsbury's supermarket in Shires Retail Park, Leamington Spa will be handing out leaflets, featuring an artist's impression of the attacker, to shoppers in a bid to identify him.

Police officers investigating the serious sexual assault of an 11 year old girl in Leamington Spa will be carrying out anniversary checks at Sainsbury's supermarket today (Thursday March 9) in the hope of identifying the teenager they believe is responsible for the attack.

The young girl was attacked in the ladies' toilets of the supermarket last Thursday evening, while on a shopping trip with her mother. It is hoped that many of the shoppers in the store this evening will also have been there last week and may be able to offer vital information to the police.

Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Pearson said that more than 250 calls have been received from the public, including someone serving a prison sentence, in connection with the case. Some of these had produced "useful information", DCI Pearson said.

He said: "Clearly many of the callers have had to make brave decisions in nominating suspects and thinking the unthinkable about people they know or associate with. I applaud them for their bravery and public spiritedness.

"I remain firmly convinced that the offender is either local or has strong local connections. His identity, therefore, will be known to the community.

"Please think carefully if you have any suspicions and call us. Every call is still vitally important. Until that offender is arrested, we will keep appealing for information."

The leaflets, which are also being distributed in other areas around Leamington Spa, feature an artist's impression of the offender and the distinctive jacket he was wearing.

The attacker is described as a white teenager, with dark brown hair and red inflamed spots on his face. He was wearing a black anorak-style hooded top with a red front and silver reflective piping and a grey hooded top underneath. Strands of hair were protruding from the hood of the jacket.

Rewards totalling £30,000 have been offered for information leading to the arrest of the attacker.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 01926 415994 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/GB)