Police issue appeal for a sex attacker without mentioning suspect was man wearing a woman’s clothes

Police chiefs have been accused of putting political correctness ahead of public safety after issuing an appeal for witnesses following a sex attack – but failing to mention that the wanted man was wearing women’s clothing.

Hertfordshire police called for public help after a victim was left traumatised by a late-night assault in Bishop’s Stortford in December.

But they made no reference to the attacker’s gender or appearance, saying only they wanted to hear about ‘anyone acting suspiciously in the area’. 

It was not until after a man was charged on May 27 over the assault that detectives made those details public.

Last night, campaigners accused officers of ‘a deliberate failure to properly investigate a dangerous sex offender for fear of causing offence’.

Former police officer Harry Miller of the Fair Cop group, which combats police interference in free speech, added that the force had displayed ‘favouritism towards one community’ and ‘fear of the trans lobby group’.

In a recent briefing for local newspapers, a senior officer confirmed that they were aware that the alleged attacker was a man wearing women’s clothing but told reporters they should report the information ‘sensitively… in terms of the LGBT+ community’.

Asking for the journalists’ help in persuading other possible victims to come forward, Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins of the regional major crime unit explained: ‘We need people to feel comfortable in reporting these matters to police so it is absolutely vital that any coverage of the case in the media is handled supportively and sensitively, both in terms of the male victim and of the LGBT+ community.

‘We do not want to be in a situation where members of the gay or trans communities in particular are being targeted by hurtful comments or actions as a result of this information being released.

‘We would ask that you please take this into consideration when preparing any coverage and ensure you are regularly monitoring or removing any offensive comments posted on social media.’

Barrister Kama Melly QC said that not giving an accurate description of the attacker at the time might hamper justice.

She said: ‘Being attacked sexually in the street is a terrifying experience and all victims are entitled to a proper police investigation. The police know that the best way to find that perpetrator is by circulating an accurate description promptly and efficiently. Descriptions of suspects have never in my experience taken into account political tensions or personal sensibilities.

‘This victim, like all victims, is entitled to a robust investigation – I fail to see how such an inadequate description of this suspect assists in bringing this suspect to justice.’

Former police officer Harry Miller of the Fair Cop group, which combats police interference in free speech, added that the force had displayed ‘favouritism towards one community’ and ‘fear of the trans lobby group’ [File photo]

Concerns about the witness appeal come amid a growing backlash against moves to liberalise transgender rights, with Ministers preparing to ditch reforms that would make it easier for people to legally change their gender.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said last night: ‘This has been a highly complex and sensitive investigation into an incident with very unusual circumstances. Supporting the victim has always been at the forefront of our minds.

‘While seeking witnesses, we have also been conducting extensive enquiries behind the scenes, which have allowed us to make an arrest and subsequent charge. We are now widening our investigation and are in a position to release this detail publicly.’

The victim, a man in his 30s, is understood to have been initially unsure about issuing an appeal in the media as he struggled to come to terms with the assault. The alleged attacker is currently on bail awaiting a court date.

Hertfordshire Constabulary have previously been accused of ‘pandering’ by treating transgender paedophile Carrie Cooper as a woman, despite committing the crimes as a man called Gary.