A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in a cubicle at the A&E department of the Royal Liverpool Hospital. .
The attack is understood to have been thwarted after a member of staff interrupted the suspect, also a patient at the hospital. Merseyside Police were contacted about the incident at 12.50pm yesterday (Thursday) and arrested a man in the building.
A spokeswoman for the force confirmed today that Carl Burger, 55, from Fenwick Street, Liverpool city centre, has been charged with sexual assault in relation to the incident. He was also charged with sexual assault over a separate incident on June 8.
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Burger was remanded in custody and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court tomorrow for an initial hearing.
Detective Inspector Neil Dillon said: “Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual assault extremely seriously. Our officers are specially trained to thoroughly investigate allegations, make sure that those reporting them are properly supported and put those responsible before the courts.
"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will listen to you and treat you with the utmost sensitivity and compassion. There are also a number of reliable and trusted organisations and charities who will support you from your initial report, throughout any investigation and beyond.
"Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can call officers in the force’s Unity Team on 0151 777 1382 or 101. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously and free, on 0800 555 111.
"Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801."
Merseyside Police, alongside three other forces, have also been part of a pilot project for a new service to report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences online – with the option to report anonymously.
The new online Rape and Sexual Assault reporting service is now live on the website here and enables people who do not require immediate police assistance to report the crime via their local force website.
A spokesperson for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We take the safety of our patients and everyone who uses our hospitals extremely seriously. Our staff reported this incident to Merseyside Police immediately whilst security staff detained the perpetrator. The victim’s family was informed and they received support from our nursing and safeguarding teams.”
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