Police Seek Witnesses in Historical Sexual Assault Case in Bude

Authorities are calling for public assistance in shedding light on a sexual assault case involving a minor that took place several years ago in Bude, Cornwall. The incident, which occurred on August 13, 2016, involved a nine-year-old boy in the Sandymouth Holiday Home Park, specifically within a pirate ship-shaped play equipment in the park’s outdoor play area.

The assailant believed to have been between 16 and 20 years old at the time of the incident, targeted the young victim inside the play structure, out of direct sight. Despite the lack of witnesses to the assault itself, police believe that other children present in the play area may hold valuable information, having interacted with the victim shortly after the event.

T/Detective Constable Clare Keenan emphasised the importance of local knowledge in the progress of the investigation. Given the attacker’s suspected local ties, authorities are eager to connect with anyone who may recognise the description of the suspect or have relevant information.

The call for witnesses extends to visitors of the Sandymouth Holiday Home Park around the date of the assault, parents whose children frequented the play area, and locals who might contribute to identifying the suspect. The police urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and contact them at the provided phone number or via their website, referencing case number 50001790269.

This appeal underlines the ongoing commitment of the police to resolve cases of non-recent sexual assaults, ensuring justice for victims irrespective of the time elapsed since the incident.