Arrest made in Springfield Gardens case

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Juvenile held charged with three counts of rape

Police have arrested a male juvenile in connection with their investigation into a sexual assault on a woman in Springfield Gardens last December.

The person has been charged with three counts of rape and one of robbery. He has been remanded in custody pending further enquiries.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward. If you have any relevant information you are asked to contact DS Simon Moy, Ealing Borough Police, on 020 8246 1111

The assault took place in the early hours of Thursday 14th December. The victim, a white female in her twenties, was on route to a friends address in Acton. She left Acton Town Tube Station at 12:23am and walked along Gunnersbury Avenue then turned into Horn Lane. As she walked north she noticed three suspects and a dog following her. She continued to walk along Horn Lane and as she neared Springfield Gardens the suspects attempted to talk to her but she ignored them.

Two of the men then forced her into the centre of the park and sexually assaulted her. She managed to escape from her attackers and ran out onto Creswick Road, where she flagged down a passing motorist who called police.

The first two suspects were last seen making off towards the park entrance on Creswick Road. The third man and his dog were last seen walking along Creswick Road towards the junction with Pierepoint Road.

Staying safe when you’re out and about - Crime Prevention Advice from Ealing Police

 If you often walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm from a DIY store or ask your local crime prevention officer where you can buy one. Carry it in your hand so you can use it immediately to scare off an attacker. Make sure it is designed to continue sounding if it’s dropped or falls to the ground.

 Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Carry your house keys in your pocket. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. If you hang on, you could get hurt. Remember your safety is more important than your property.

 If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street – more than once if necessary – to see if he follows. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people – a pub or anywhere with a lot of lights on – and call the police. Avoid using an enclosed phone box in the street, as the attacker could trap you inside.

 If you regularly go jogging or cycling, try to vary your route and time. Stick to well-lit roads with pavements. On commons and parklands, keep to main paths and open spaces where you can see and be seen by other people – avoid wooded areas. If you wear a personal stereo, remember you can’t hear traffic, or somebody approaching behind you.

 Don’t take short cuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground. Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.

 If a car stops and you are threatened, scream and shout, and set off your personal attack alarm if you have one. Get away as quickly as you can. This will gain you vital seconds and make it more difficult for the car driver to follow. If you can, make a mental note of the number and description of the car. Write down details as soon as possible afterwards.

 Don’t hitchhike or take lifts from strangers.

 Cover up expensive looking jewellery.

 Self-defence and safety awareness classes may help you feel more secure. Ask your local council or your work if they have classes.

If are unfortunately the victim of an attack

Think what you would do if someone attacked you. Could you fight back, or would you avoid resisting and wait to escape? Only you can decide whether to fight back, but preparing yourself for all possibilities could provide a split-second advantage.

 If someone threatens you, shout and scream for help and set off your personal attack alarm if you have one. This may unnerve the attacker and frighten him off.

 You have every right to defend yourself, with reasonable force with items, which you have with you like an umbrella, hairspray or keys can be used against the attacker. The law however doesn’t allow carrying anything, which can be described as an offensive weapon.

What men can do

• If you are walking in the same direction as a woman on her own, don’t walk behind her – this may worry her. Cross the road and walk on the other side. This may reassure her that you are not following her.
• Don’t sit too close to a woman on her own in a railway carriage or bus.
• If you are thinking of chatting to a woman waiting, for example, at a lonely bus stop, remember that she won’t know you mean no harm.
• Realise how threatening actions such as staring, whistling, passing comments and jostling can be, particularly when you are one of a group of men.
• Help female friends or family members by giving them a lift or walking them home when you can. If you do, make sure they are safely indoors before you leave.

January 9, 2006