…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Police have issued a CCTV appeal following the sexual assault of a female police officer during last year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
The on-duty officer was assaulted by two individuals in a crowded area along Westbourne Grove on August 29, 2022.
Taking advantage of the dense crowd, the suspects sexually assaulted the officer from behind, making it difficult for her to identify them at the time.
Despite an extensive investigation, the Metropolitan Police has yet to identify the perpetrators.
CCTV Footage Released in Public Appeal:
The Metropolitan Police released CCTV footage of two men in an effort to seek the public’s help in identifying them.
The footage shows the men moving through the crowded carnival, a popular event attended by thousands of people in west London every August.
PC Richard Spears, a member of the Notting Hill Carnival post-incident team, expressed condemnation for the disturbing assaults and highlighted the need for assistance from the public.
Condemnation and Call for Assistance:
PC Spears emphasized that Notting Hill Carnival is typically a vibrant and inclusive celebration, but these assaults tarnished the atmosphere.
The suspects took advantage of the densely packed crowd, believing they could commit the assault without consequences.
PC Spears stressed that assaults on officers during their duty are unacceptable, and the sexual nature of this incident makes it particularly distressing.
The release of the CCTV footage aims to identify and locate the two men involved.
The police urge anyone who recognizes them to come forward with information.
Public Cooperation Needed:
The Metropolitan Police is appealing to the public to assist in identifying the suspects involved in the sexual assault of the female police officer.
The force considers this incident a serious matter and hopes that by sharing the CCTV footage, someone may recognize the individuals involved.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the police at 101, quoting reference CAD 5082/25Apr23.
Cooperation from the public is crucial in bringing justice to the victim and holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions.