Key Points
- A woman was raped on Allerton Road at Botanico Bar in Woolton, Liverpool around 12.15am Saturday, August 15.
- This occurred after the woman was awaiting her taxi where she was accosted by a man who then made inappropriate remarks to her, hugged her and attempted to kiss her.
- She left after getting into a taxi soon after the incident occurred before contacting Merseyside Police.
- Two images of a possible suspect have been released by police through CCTV.
- According to Detective Constable Tom Gilbert, the victim was left in shock and appealed to anyone that witnessed what happened at the taxi queue to get in touch with them.
- Information can be shared with Merseyside Police through X or Facebook @MerPolCC, via the force website or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Specialist help is available from Safe Place, RASA Merseyside, RASASC Cheshire and Merseyside and Victim Care Merseyside.
Woolton Crime (Liverpool standard) October 09, 2026 — Merseyside Police are seeking a man who may help their investigation after a woman was sexually assaulted while waiting for a taxi outside a bar in Woolton.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the incident occurred at approximately 12.15am on Saturday, August 15, outside Botanico Bar on Allerton Road. The woman had been waiting for a car when a man approached her and made lewd comments towards her.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the man then hugged the woman and tried to kiss her. She moved away from him and left the area in a taxi a short time later.
The woman later reported what had happened to police. Merseyside Police have now issued two CCTV stills of a man whom detectives believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Why have police released CCTV images?
Merseyside Police released the images as part of their appeal for information. The force believes the man shown in the CCTV stills may be able to help officers establish what happened outside the bar.
Detective Constable Tom Gilbert said:
“We think the man pictured may be able to assist this investigation, so if you know him please get in touch.”
He added: “The victim was left extremely shaken by what happened and we will continue to support her as our work continues. I’d like to additionally ask that anyone in that taxi queue who saw the incident also comes forward with any information.”
Police have not named a suspect and have not confirmed whether any arrest has been made. The appeal remains focused on identifying the man in the images and gathering accounts from potential witnesses.
How can people contact Merseyside Police?
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk on X or Facebook using the handle @MerPolCC.
Information can also be submitted through the force’s website. Alternatively, people who wish to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its online reporting form.
Merseyside Police said anyone reporting a sexual offence can call 101, where they will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In an emergency, the force advised people to call 999.
What support is available for victims?
Merseyside Police said specialist support services are free of charge and available to anyone affected by sexual assault or rape. The force stated that people do not need a referral, or to have already reported an incident to police, before accessing support.
The force said support can include a confidential discussion for someone considering making a police report but unsure what the process involves. If a person decides to report to Merseyside Police, the force said they will receive support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond.
Victims may also make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, known as Safe Place, or through the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service. According to the information published by the Liverpool Echo, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine someone to check their wellbeing and look for DNA evidence, which can be stored to support a case at a later stage.
Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral through Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801. In St Helens and Knowsley, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
Merseyside Police also pointed to its Victim Care Merseyside service and its Violence against Women and Girls campaign, which the force says places the voices of women and girls at the centre of work to tackle such offences.
Background of the development
The reported assault took place in Woolton, a residential area in south Liverpool, outside Botanico Bar on Allerton Road. The incident was reported to have happened in the early hours of Saturday, August 15, while the woman was waiting in a taxi queue.
Merseyside Police’s decision to publish CCTV images indicates that officers are seeking public assistance to identify a potential witness or person of interest. The force has emphasised support for the victim and has encouraged anyone who was in the taxi queue at the time to contact detectives.
Prediction: How this may affect Woolton residents and bar-goers
For Woolton residents and people using taxis around Allerton Road, the police appeal may lead to greater attention on safety in the area during late-night hours. People who were outside Botanico Bar at the time may come forward with information, which could help officers progress the investigation.
For local licensed premises and taxi users, the case may reinforce the importance of reporting concerns promptly and preserving witness information. The publication of CCTV images can also encourage members of the public to check whether they recognise the man pictured, potentially increasing the number of contacts made to Merseyside Police.
For victims of sexual offences in Merseyside, the force’s accompanying support information may make it clearer that confidential help is available whether or not someone chooses to make a formal police report.
