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Possible Liverpool gang rape suspects' names passed to Merseyside police


Detectives revealed they have had several calls from the public offering information since details of the horrific attack were revealed.

The 15-year-old girl was grabbed by a gang of six youths as she walked home across a disused railway bridge on Broadway, Norris Green, at around 8.15pm on Friday.

Having said goodbye to her friends, she was walking towards the New Broadway pub, in New Hall Lane, when she was attacked.

The gang, one on a red mini-motorbike, approached her and two of them grabbed her before pushing her down an embankment into bushes underneath the bridge.

The victim was then raped by four of the youths while two others stayed with the red motorbike at the side of the embankment.

Forensic and DNA evidence taken from the girl has now been sent to the Forensic Science Service with an order that it be fast-tracked and detectives hope to have the results back quickly.

DCI Tim Keelan, of Merseyside police, said: “We have had a response from the public suggesting a few possible names and now we have to research that information as we are still in the early stages of this inquiry.

“Hopefully we will get some results back from the Forensic Science Service sooner rather than later.

“We would still appeal for anyone with information to come forward and speak to us. Whatever they know could be vital to our investigation.”

MP Bob Wareing today called for the type of coats thought to be worn by one of the attackers to be banned.

One wore a black Location jacket with goggles in the hood that completely covered his face.

Mr Wareing, MP for West Derby, said: “I cannot see any reason for these jackets to be worn unless someone wishes to hide their face.

“They should not be on sale.

“I feel very strongly about this and will be taking it up personally to see that these garments are banned.

“My heart goes out to the young girl and her family and I truly hope the sick cowards who did this are appropriately punished.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0151 777 4564 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

THE ECHO

Second arrest in Norris Green teen gang rape



DETECTIVES investigating the brutal rape of a 15-year-old girl in Norris Green today arrested a second youth.

They swooped on 16-year-old boy after executing a search warrant at premises in Norris Green. He was arrested on suspicion of rape. A 17-year-old youth also from Norris Green was arrested earlier this morning.

Officers raided a house in Norris Green shortly before 8am. The 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody and will be quizzed later today.

The arrest follows several calls to police in the last 48 hours when names of possible suspects were given.

Last night police appeared before a city magistrate where they were granted a warrant to raid the house.

The 15-year-old rape victim was walking home across a disused railway bridge over Broadway, in Norris Green, at around 8.15pm on Friday when she was approached by a gang of six youths, some with scarves and hoods hiding their faces. One was riding a red mini-motorbike.

They grabbed the girl and dragged her down the embankment into some bushes where four of them raped her.

At around 11pm the girl made a tearful 999 call to police from a nearby phone box.

Despite today’s arrest police renewed their appeal for information.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: “The more information we have, the quicker we can bring those responsible to justice.”

One of the youths wore a black Location jacket with built-in goggles.

Call Lower Lane CID on 0151 777 4564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

THE GLOBE