Police launch urgent probe as woman ‘sexually assaulted’ at train station in late night attack

A woman has allegedly been sexually assaulted at a railway station in a late-night attack.

Following the incident, authorities have shut down the site while detectives investigate.

The attack occurred at Hope station in Flintshire on Thursday evening, with North Wales Police receiving notification in the early hours of Friday morning.

They then transferred the case to the British Transport Police.

Investigators have determined that the incident occurred between 7:00pm and 11:00pm.

The station remained closed throughout Friday as officers conducted their enquiries, causing significant disruption to rail services in the area.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Haywood confirmed that specialist assistance is being provided to the woman while the investigation proceeds.

The detective sergeant outlined the investigative measures being undertaken, including reviewing security camera recordings, interviewing residents in the area, and conducting searches at the railway station.

She expressed gratitude for the community's cooperation during the investigation and issued an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Rail passengers faced major delays as Transport for Wales suspended all services through Hope station while police conducted their investigation.

The operator confirmed that trains on the Wrexham to Bidston route could not stop at the station in either direction until further notice.

Alternative arrangements were put in place, with passengers advised to travel to Caergwrle station where replacement bus services were operating.

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Coaches provided by Pats Coaches ran every thirty minutes between Caergwrle and Hope at no additional charge to travellers.

Transport for Wales warned that road transport would take considerably longer than normal rail journeys and advised passengers to allow extra time.

The arrangements remained in effect until police completed their investigation and reopened the station.

Detective Sergeant Haywood said: "We are providing specialist support to the victim while our enquiries are ongoing."

She added: “We are reviewing CCTV, speaking to local people and conducting enquiries at the station.

“We’re grateful for local people’s patience while this important work is conducted.

"I ask anyone who may have been at the station or in the vicinity between 7pm and 11pm on Thursday 30 October and saw anything suspicious to contact us as soon as possible."

A Transport for Wales statement said: “Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Hope, Flintshire, train services through this station may be subject to disruption on all routes.

They added: "Our Wrexham to Bidston services are unable to call at Hope Flintshire Station in either direction until further notice.”

In an update, a Transport for Wales spokesman said: "Customers wishing to alight or travel from Hope, Flintshire, will need to travel on rail service to Caergwrle Station for alternative rail replacement.

"We have organised buses to run between Caergwrle and Hope Flintshire to assist customers to complete journeys where possible at no extra cost. These will be provided by Pats Coaches and will depart every half hour from Caergwrle.

"These arrangements are in place until the station is back open following Police Investigation. Road Transport will take longer than rail services. Please allow extra time to complete your journey."