MAN NAMED IN ATTEMPTED RAPE INVESTIGATION AFTER WOMAN FOUND IN BEBINGTON CEMETERY
A man has been formally charged in connection with an attempted sexual assault on a woman in Bebington.On Sunday, June 14, at 3:25 pm, Merseyside Police responded to a report from a member of the public expressing concern for a woman's safety at Bebington Cemetery on Town Lane.
Following the incident, a male individual was detained at the scene and transported to a police station for further questioning.
Michael Eccles, aged 51, residing on Juliet Avenue in Bebington, was subsequently taken into custody and has been charged with attempted rape and common assault.
Eccles is currently in police custody and is scheduled to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, July 14.
Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying two potential witnesses to the incident.
Detective Constable David Johnston stated: "We are actively supporting the victim as our investigation progresses.
We are especially eager to hear from two individuals, a man and a woman walking nearby, who we believe may have witnessed some parts of what happened but have not yet come forward.
"If you are those individuals, or if you were passing through the area around 3.20 pm and saw or heard anything suspicious, please contact us as soon as possible, as your information could be crucial to our investigation." Persons with relevant information are encouraged to reach out via Merseyside Police’s social media channels on X or Facebook @MerPolCC.
They can also submit details through the police website: https://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?d=zQcxkAswQYb4JOZFY5yClNG_YnW4W0xynPGu4Rnpa30oIdeVd9li1CAOKgc5-UhYohuFge00Hjyd3maFErrgGfOq5hDiSvQFl2ShIt_jcuOQU3c26yrhT6u0Sp3LfJYan-HpJzm08AqD1Ru0uUnQrRdrmgl0xT9_7VsN1n30TjH1wonNLmA1xTLqoonG_eHz5H1yGkrqcEY7gXxXwudCgM-A6OLyoekgx_urS_eNFLQuTMxCXLldxz7Zv7piVoRBsbxk_mWrrHBrMbNf0j7sCHmvRy_ZMgJ0BYqks_LEmcVQwyncq0zCbVlh5RWLwAgIyLbMB3CniLYn5tj2E-u-Jmot42aFlcqLngcfNME75UF1azNZUkfO2ESCq0QUaY964oiy_V1ge9G4yq6ieTD3pQcoK-EHDjAyu0QM2CaaRuTkryLhpvRPP75pxQ0S8_cMVhV1al4M1GZI8frYg6O3AU6NxNDs9bKxw9geHFYGdTU7Ee1J-JRnMbh8JoXuqFEE2lp9-ldKjLujVZb0Kb0d4dJM4e0L3H9EcgT-4PnWvN1WwENS7SwlbOB5JvsRSyYvCQQdr2Hq3daDvJOslpwIQh9qK381zBvPhDqmabP43-s4_8F2rervYB6otFS5jGokw-vxKeYGUas3yXi4Dzpdt-2zXZhjSu0ZE1CPlXD6f8_4kE22xmojUJh8D2xubUU-OiENqOevK17Y0vy0KN8SBMnsraQeLzh09oUysRcdSQjpVJDtckbH-h88MCeEJgpLEQ2 or by calling 101 and quoting reference 26000473574.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
DC Johnston emphasized: "Rest assured, specialized units are dedicated to supporting victims with care and sensitivity throughout the process.
I strongly encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse to report it either directly to police or through our partner agencies." To report a sexual crime, you can call 101 and speak to trained officers, or anonymously inform Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
In urgent situations, always dial 999.
Merseyside Police and the Victim Care Merseyside service, run jointly by two charities, offer extensive support for victims.
In Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral, assistance is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside at 0151 558 1801.
In St Helens and Knowsley, help is available from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside, reachable at 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
