Redway attacker fears escalate on the net
No need for scaremongering say cops
Fears over the man dubbed the 'redway rapist' are being played out on the internet while police say there is no need for panic and scaremongering.
At least 10 groups are on Facebook with 26,000 people – more than 10 per cent of the city's population – signing up to express their alarm.
Some have suggested vigilante action to catch the suspect who could be responsible for at least four sexual assaults.
One group's membership increased by hundreds every hour.
And one worried woman said: "I walk my dogs but I will not be on the redways any more."
Another asked: "Why shouldn't we feel safe walking? .. we need to use the redways... you suspect every bloke walking towards you."
Schools have been inundated with concerned parents prompting Milton Keynes Council to issue safety advice.
A spokesman said: "We have reinforced police advice that female staff and pupils should take sensible steps to stay safe and walk with colleagues and friends where possible."
City employers have offered female employees personal alarms. Milton keynes Hospital has upped onsite security.
Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit is investigating a number of incidents including four 'serious sexual assaults'.
The most recent attack was on a 16-year-old girl on a footbridge between Campbell Park and Downs Barn, about 5pm, Wednesday June 16.
The unit is investigating three other incidents targeting lone women on isolated redways or paths. All involved a male attacker with a broadly similar description who approached from behind.
An E-fit released after one incident is now not to be relied upon.
The earliest attack was along the redway near Barry Avenue, Bradville, on Saturday May 2 about 5.30am.
Three weeks later around 5pm on Wednesday May 27, a woman was attacked on a redway from Mount Farm towards Marlborough Street when she was sexually assaulted.
At about 10pm on Friday June 5, a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on a redway in Great Linford.
Yesterday (Monday) Det Ch Insp Joe Kidman said for good reasons they cannot reveal exactly what is happening.
He said: "Our priority is to find the person responsible and stop any further offences and we need the public to help us."
Ch Insp Paul Bradford said: "There is a great deal of speculation and incorrect information being spread.
"Police had published correct information on a social networking site and the number of officers patrolling redways doubled."
>> Anyone with information should contact the unit on 0845 8 505 505.
>> An 'attack' initially being investigated as part of the same series was falsely claimed.
Police confirmed the incident of alleged sexual assault in a Bancroft underpass – was a hoax.
The 22-year-old woman was issued an 80 fixed penalty notice for wasting police time.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
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