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Bebington man charged with attempted rape at cemetery - police appeal for witnesses

A 51-year-old man has been charged following an incident at Bebington Cemetery, with detectives now appealing to trace two potential witnesses.

Bebington Cemetery
Bebington Cemetery, the location where the attempted rape took place. Photo: Wirral Council

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A man from Bebington has been charged with attempted rape following an incident at Bebington Cemetery.

Officers were called to Town Lane at 3.25 pm on Sunday, 14 June, after a member of the public reported concerns for a woman's safety. A man was arrested at the scene.

Michael Eccles, 51, of Juliet Avenue, Bebington, has been charged with attempted rape and common assault. He remains in custody and will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 July.

Detectives are now appealing to trace two potential witnesses. They are searching for a man and a woman who were walking past the cemetery at the time.

Detective Constable David Johnston said: "We are continuing to support the victim as our investigation continues. We are particularly looking to speak to two people, a man and a woman walking past, who we think may have witnessed some of this incident but are yet to make themselves known."

He continued, "If you are those people, or were passing by at around 3.20 pm and saw or heard anything concerning, please come forward as soon as possible as it may assist our work."

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, or call 101 quoting incident reference 26000473574. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

DC Johnston urged victims of sexual crimes to come forward, stressing police teams will support victims with "sensitivity and compassion".

Support for victims of sexual offences is available through RASA Merseyside on 0151 558 1801 for those in Liverpool, Sefton, and Wirral. Alternatively, you can contact the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222.

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