A community have voiced their fears after police cordoned off a section of woodland "on their doorstep". It comes as officers are investigating reports of a serious assault on a woman in the forest popular among walkers and cyclists.
The incident is believed to have occured at around 5am on Wednesday, July 6, in Bulwell Forest, off Hucknall Road, in Bulwell. The major police scene raised concerns among the community.
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that the alleged victim is being supported by specialist officers, and the police are exploring a number of lines of enquiry. High visibility patrols have also been stepped up in the area, the force said.
READ MORE: Police cordoned off woodland next to major Nottingham road
Natasha Mullhall, a beauty therapist who lives near the Rise Park, said: “We do not go out at night time because it can be quite spooky with all the woodland. You do not see many people going out at that time anyway, it is quite frightening.”
The 41-year-old added: “It makes me very worried because I have a daughter who is 20. It is just concerning for a parent to hear that.”
A worried dad of two girls, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “It is worrying because I have two girls, one aged 15 and 18. It makes me really worried. We have taken precautions with the girls, the younger one has early curfew and the other one is picked up from the tram stop if she is staying until late.
“They don’t leave the house at night. I’m just frightened and annoyed that we have to keep doing this in this day and age.
He added: “It happened basically on our doorstep, so it makes me very worried.”
Vincy Raphael, a concerned mum of three who lives in the area, said: “It used to be a safe area. There are many children living on this street so it is frightening.”
The 45-year-old, also a nurse at the City Hospital, added: “We would not expect to have incidents like this happening so close to where we live. We love going for a walk through the woods, people often go jogging there.
“It is near where my children take the bus as well. It makes me very worried.”
An elderly resident who lives in the area and wished to remain anonymous said: “Top Valley is a rough area, but Rise Park is actually alright. This road is very quiet actually.
“I am just scared because it happened right on my doorstep. You do not see many people walking around here at night time.”
Detective Sergeant Lee Kirk, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are currently investigating reports of a serious assault and would like to speak to anybody who was near Bulwell Forest in the early hours of this morning and may have seen something. If you saw or heard anything suspicious, however small, we would like to hear from you, as this information could assist our enquiries.”
Anyone with any additional information has been asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 87 of 6 July 2022, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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