Woman sexually assaulted at Reading West Station

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From Reading Chronicle

Sex attacker strikes on Reading West railway bridge

A WOMAN was raped in a horrifying attack at Reading West railway station in the early hours of this morning.

Police investigating the attack cordoned off the footbridge where it took place and the victim, a 35-year-old from Reading, was taken home after hospital treatment and is expected to be interviewed by specialist officers later today.

The attack was reported at around 3.20am and detectives are appealing for information from witnesses who either saw anything or were in the vicinity and heard a disturbance.

Detective Sergeant Steve Cullinane of the British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) said: "We're continuing to make local enquiries to build a picture of what happened, including checking whether CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) footage is available."

BTP officers are working closely with Thames Valley Police colleagues on the inquiry.

Contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 29 of September 25 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

From getreading

Woman sexually assaulted on Reading West railway bridge

A woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault on the footbridge of Reading West railway station in the early hours of this morning.

Police have cordoned off the bridge while they investigate the scene and the victim, a 35-year-old woman from Reading, has been taken home to be interviewed by specially trained officers.

The attack was reported at 3.19am and investigators are appealing for information as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

British Transport Police (BTP) Det Sgt Steve Cullinane said: "We^re continuing to make local enquiries to build a picture of what happened, including checking whether CCTV footage is available.

"Thames Valley Police officers are also working closely with the BTP investigating team to help gather information.

"If you have any information that could help our investigation, we want to hear from you."

If you have any information you can call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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From Reading Chronicle.

Safety to be improved at station after rape

A NOTORIOUS commuter station is to get a security facelift after a Chronicle investigation revealed passengers feel they are at risk on its platforms.

Rail bosses have vowed to make improvements at Reading West after commuters admitted they dread using the isolated station where a 35-year-old woman was raped on the footbridge over the track in September.

The brutal attack - which was not captured by the railway station's CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) cameras - prompted safety questions and left passengers in fear.

But this week First Great Western's James Davis confirmed the company has already cleared overgrown bushes overlooking the platforms to improve visibility and has ordered four new, powerful lights.

He said: "Working with the British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) and Network Rail, following a review of Reading West Station we have cut vegetation on site which has considerably improved the situation.

"We are also working with Network Rail for additional lighting to the footbridge."

BTP spokesman Gavin Brown said two companies are also in talks about increasing CCTV coverage at the station, which is only staffed between 6.30-10.45am Monday to Friday.

Passenger Samantha Clarke, 37, from Tilehurst Road, said: "These changes would make a big difference. Particularly at this time of year when it's dark by 4pm. You can feel very scared waiting in the dark there."

Reading West MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) Alok Sharma also backed our campaign for improved facilities at the station and wrote to First Great Western calling for better lighting two days after the attack.

He said he is delighted by plans to improve the station, and added: "Any measures to make commuters feel safer are very welcomed and I will be following up further with both First Great Western and Network Rail."

Police have made no arrests over the attack, which happened on the footbridge at 3.20am on Tuesday, September 25, but their investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 29 of September 25, 2012, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.