Arrest made in Bournemouth rape investigation
Detectives have arrested a man in connection with a reported rape in Bournemouth.
Dorset Police received a report at 12.16am on Thursday 20 August 2026 that a man had raped a woman aged in her 40s in the Boscombe area.
The incident is reported to have occurred approximately three hours earlier in Woodland Walk after the man and woman met a short time before.
A cordon was put in place to allow for an examination of the scene to be carried out. This was lifted during the afternoon of Thursday 20 August 2026.
Following detailed enquiries by detectives, a man aged in his 60s and of Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
Detective Inspector Edmund Murray, of BCP CID, said: “We are continuing to support the victim and have updated her of the latest development.
“An investigation was launched and we have now made an arrest as we continue to investigate what happened.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area that may assist our enquiries to please get in touch.
“Our local neighbourhood policing team will be patrolling the area and can be approached by anyone who has concerns or wants to provide information.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260129633. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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