Woman is compelled into automotive and raped in terrifying kidnap earlier than begging dogwalker for assist after escaping – as police launch CCTV in intercourse assault investigation

A woman was forced into a car where she was raped by two men in a horrifying attack before she managed to escape and ask a dogwalker for help.

Police have released CCTV footage of potential witnesses as they try to identify the assaulters, who beckoned their victim to a vehicle in Taunton, Somerset, two months ago.

The anonymous victim was raped by the unknown men in the early hours of August 8, but when she got out of the vehicle she approached a dog walker for directions home.

Avon and Somerset Police are now keen to speak to four people, who are not considered suspects, spotted on a Ring doorbell who they believe could be key witnesses to help the investigation. 

Images show a woman walking a medium-sized dog talking to a man wearing shorts, while a separate clip shows a man carrying a large rucksack behind a woman walking a small dog.

Police have issued a plea to identify four people seen on CCTV who could help them investigate the rape of a woman in Taunton two months ago

One clip showed a woman walking a medium-sized dog with a fluorescent harness and a man wearing shorts

Another showed a man carrying a large rucksack and a woman walking a small dog

The woman was called over to what has been described as a small, dark car in South Street at around 12.15am on Thursday, August 8.

The suspects are both described by the victim as being of mixed heritage, approximately 6ft tall and in their late 30s. 

One man was described as being of large build, with black hair and a moustache and had a tattoo on the back of his neck. He was apparently wearing a red polo and a silver chain.

The second suspect is described as being of slim build, with black hair. He had several piercings and no facial hair. 

When the woman emerged, she approached another woman described as white, with blonde hair, and walking a black dog.

As detectives investigate the rape, officers have published the two clips captured on a doorbell camera, as people shown ‘may have important information to help our investigation’.

Neighbourhood Inspector Jonathan Eamer said: ‘We understand this can be a very alarming and distressing incident in the local community but we believe this to be an isolated incident with no further reports of this nature.

‘We are supporting the victim during this time and commend her for her bravery in coming forward.

Police confirmed the people seen in the CCTV are not considered suspects

‘We are appealing for the woman who came to the victim’s aid to come forward. We are also asking anyone who was driving or lives in South Street, Taunton, who may have dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage to get in touch as soon as possible.’

If you can aid our enquiries, please call 101 and quote reference 5224207440.

Avon and Somerset Police added: ‘If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224207440, or complete our online appeals form.

‘You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

‘No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.’