Nearly four decades after a terrifying assault in Godalming, Surrey Police have a fresh lead in the case. In 1983, a 16-year-old girl was attacked in broad daylight, and her attacker disappeared without a trace. Now, advances in forensic science have produced a DNA profile of the suspect, prompting police to relaunch the investigation.
The assault occurred around 4pm on Monday, 20 June 1983. The victim was sitting on the grass reading near Godalming Town Football Club and the Broadwater Park Golf Club car park when a middle-aged man with a dog approached her and launched the attack. After the assault, the suspect calmly picked up his dog — described as a terrier, possibly a Yorkshire terrier — and walked off towards the main A3100 Guildford to Godalming road.
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between 40 and 50 years old, slim with a noticeable paunch, about 5ft 10in tall, with light grey hair, a moustache, and a short beard. He was carrying a small terrier-type dog under his arm. An e-fit was created at the time but did not lead to any solid identification.
Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes said: “Although many years have passed since this crime, we hope local residents can help. Advances in forensic science have given us a DNA profile, so any names can be quickly checked.”
“We’re urging anyone who remembers someone walking a terrier in 1983 who fits this description to come forward. Also, we’re trying to trace an older woman seen near the scene who may be a witness.”
“The victim endured a horrific ordeal, and we owe it to her to find the person responsible. If relations with the offender have since broken down, someone close might now feel able to help. We guarantee absolute confidentiality.”
If you have any information, contact Surrey Police on 101 and quote Operation Fresco, reference PR/45170055029. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Unsolved cases like this are regularly revisited to exploit new forensic advances. Thanks to sophisticated DNA profiling, police are closer than ever to finally cracking the case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
