Four teenage boys have been charged with rape and abduction following an incident in Weston-super-Mare, where a woman reported being threatened and raped at a property. The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the four appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on July 11.
Details of the charges
Tommy Campbell, 19, faces six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Rio Welling, 18, has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment. A 17-year-old boy has been charged with three counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Another 17-year-old boy has been charged with one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. All four have been remanded in custody.
Police statement
Detective Inspector Natalie Thatcher said: 'Our investigation into this incredibly serious incident has been taking place over the past few weeks and the charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service are a significant milestone. The victim has been updated by specially trained officers who will continue to provide her with as much support as she needs. We are aware the co-ordinated pre-planned arrest attempts across Weston and Worle on Thursday did cause some local concern, which is why we wanted to be transparent around why they were necessary. We would like to thank people for their patience while those enquiries were carried out.'
Background and ongoing investigation
The woman contacted police after being threatened and raped at a property. The arrests were part of a coordinated operation across Weston and Worle. The investigation continues, and police have emphasised their commitment to supporting the victim.
