Police launch historic sexual assault appeal in Ivybridge

Police are investigating an allegation of historic sexual abuse and are appealing to the public for their help.

Detective Constable Josie Haines from the Sexual Offence and Domestic Abuse Investigation Team, said: “We have been supporting a woman who has suffered in silence for many years, and we are turning to the public for their help in this matter.

“It is alleged that a woman was a victim of a rape on the grounds within Moorhaven Hospital in Ivybridge in 1976. The hospital closed in 1993 and has since been converted into residential houses and flats.

“We are wanting to speak to anyone who was a patient or worked at Moorhaven Hospital during 1976, as it could be that they have some information that could assist us with our enquiries.

“We appreciate that this was quite some time ago and we are doing all we can to help the victim.

“We would like to hear from anyone with any information; you may believe that it is insignificant but it could be the key piece of detail that can make all the difference to us in this investigation.”

If you worked or were a patient at Moorhaven Hospital in Ivybridge in 1976, please email 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/103377/17.

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