Sex assault detectives have arrested a man and are looking for two others in relation to the alleged rape of another man in a park in the small town of Harvey, in Western Australia.
Detectives were called to the town, about 200 kilometres south of Perth, a little more than a week ago to investigate the alleged attack at a park on Hayward Street, in the early hours of January 28.
A 33-year-old man, who works at Harvey Beef, was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual penetration without consent and has been remanded in custody.
Late on Tuesday, police issued a statement looking to speak to two men.
"As investigations continue, detectives would like to speak with two males who they believe were seen in the area at the time, running east through the park towards the train line," a police spokesman said.
Police at Harvey Beef
WA's largest meat processor Harvey Beef, which is owned by mining magnate Andrew Forrest, is a major employer in the town.
It sponsors about 160 overseas workers through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.
The ABC understands the overseas workers were called in to the meat processing facility to speak to police in the wake of the alleged incident, and discussed issues relating to consent and alcohol consumption.
A Harvey Beef spokesperson said as matter was now before the courts, the company was unable to comment.
The company is understood to have a zero tolerance approach to violence in the community.
Fear and uncertainty
Shire of Harvey resident Rike Offer — who runs an online community noticeboard — said there was widespread concern about the alleged incident.
She said she temporarily closed comments on the noticeboard and removed a number of posts at the request of police.
Ms Offer said rumour and gossip about the alleged incident had created fear and uncertainty.
"I can definitely say there's a feeling of really nervousness, anxiety, fear [and] panic in town, because people don't know the full story," she said.
"So [we need] some reassurance, that the police have taken whatever steps they've taken, and that people are safe basically — just to get the correct information out there."
"I can understand it's a legal and criminal matter, but just to say ... we've taken action, so I think that's all the community needs."
