Key Points
- Merseyside Police has issued a picture from CCTV showing a person whom they think might help in their rape investigation.
- A woman came forward saying she was raped at an address in the Liverpool city center on Friday, April 17.
- She is being helped by trained officers while investigations are going on.
- “DC Dan Chamney said this man could have ‘vital information’,” the press statement reads.
- Anyone recognizing him has been asked to come forward.
- They can report the information to Merseyside Police through its social media desk, website, 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously.
- The police file number is 26000307058.
- Also, Merseyside Police has detailed specialized help available for sexual offenses in Merseyside.
Liverpool Police (Liverpool standard) October 19, 2026 — Detectives investigating a reported rape in Liverpool city centre have issued a CCTV image of a man they believe may be able to help with their enquiries.
The appeal was published by Merseyside Police on Monday, October 19, 2026. Officers said the man shown in the image is not necessarily a suspect, but may have information that could assist the investigation.
As reported by Merseyside Police, detectives are investigating an allegation that a woman was raped at a premises in Liverpool city centre on Friday, April 17. The force said the victim has been supported by specially trained officers while extensive lines of enquiry, including forensic work, continue.
Why have detectives released the CCTV image?
Detectives released the image because they want to identify and speak to the man pictured. Merseyside Police have not said that he is accused of any offence.
Detective Constable Dan Chamney said: “We would like to speak to the man pictured, as he may hold vital information to help these enquiries.”
He added: “If you recognise him, please come forward.”
The appeal does not provide a description of the man, the exact location of the premises, or details of any arrest. Merseyside Police have also not confirmed whether anyone has been detained in connection with the reported rape.
What did the woman report?
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, a woman reported on Friday, April 17 that she had been raped at a premises in Liverpool city centre. The report was first covered by the newspaper’s crime and courts reporter, although the article does not name the individual journalist.
Merseyside Police have not released the woman’s identity, and no further details about the alleged incident have been made public. The force has said that the victim is receiving support from specialist officers.
The police statement said: “The victim has been supported by specially trained officers while extensive lines of enquiry are carried out, including forensics.”
How can people contact the police?
Merseyside Police have asked anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, or who has information about the investigation, to contact the force.
People can contact the Merseyside Police social media desk through X or Facebook at @MerPolCC. Information can also be submitted through the force’s online reporting page.
Alternatively, members of the public can call 101, quoting reference 26000307058.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submit information through the Crimestoppers website.
What support is available for victims?
Merseyside Police said anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, or who has concerns about someone they know, can call 101 and speak to specially trained officers. In an emergency, the force advised people to call 999.
A police spokesperson said: “If you have been a victim of sexual offence or have concerns for someone you know, call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In an emergency, always call 999.”
The force added that people who do not need immediate police assistance can report rape or sexual assault anonymously through its website.
Merseyside Police said specialist support services are free and available without a referral, and people do not need to have reported an incident to police before accessing them.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside, which can be contacted on 0151 558 1801. In St Helens and Knowsley, support is available through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
The force also directed people to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service for further assistance.
What is known about the investigation?
Merseyside Police have described the investigation as ongoing. The force said detectives are carrying out extensive enquiries, including forensic work.
No charges, arrests, court dates or further identifying details have been announced in the police appeal or subsequent coverage. The Liverpool Echo reported that police believe the man in the CCTV image could have “vital information”, but did not report any arrest or charge.
The police appeal was published alongside an image described by Merseyside Police as a CCTV image of a man who may be able to assist the investigation. The force has not released additional images or footage at this stage.
Background of the development
The appeal forms part of Merseyside Police’s wider use of CCTV releases to identify potential witnesses in criminal investigations. In this case, the force has issued an image several months after the reported date of the alleged offence, while forensic and other investigative work continues.
Merseyside Police routinely ask the public to contact its social media desk, call 101, or use Crimestoppers when seeking information. The force has also emphasised that specialist victim support is available independently of whether someone chooses to make a police report.
The current appeal relates specifically to a reported rape at a premises in Liverpool city centre on April 17. It is separate from other recent Merseyside Police investigations, and no connection to other incidents has been stated by the force.
Prediction: How may this affect Liverpool residents?
For Liverpool residents and city-centre visitors, the appeal may encourage people to review any CCTV, mobile phone or other footage they may hold from the relevant period and contact police if they recognise the man pictured.
For victims of sexual offences, the police statement may increase awareness that confidential specialist support is available in Merseyside without needing a referral or a prior police report. The force’s published contact details could make it easier for people to seek advice before deciding whether to report an incident.
For local businesses and premises managers, the case highlights the potential importance of retaining CCTV footage and responding promptly to police requests. If further witnesses come forward, the investigation may develop, although any outcome will depend on the evidence gathered by detectives.
