An 18-year-old girl has been raped at a Glamorgan University halls of residence.
The attack happened at the Glamorgan Court Halls of Residence in Treforest in the early hours of Saturday, September 26.
Police were called at 4.50am on Saturday after receiving a report that a non-residential student at the university had been sexually assaulted sometime between 2.30am and 4.50am in a friend’s room at the halls of residence.
The suspect is described as around 6ft tall, of solid appearance, and was wearing gloves and a dark-coloured hooded top.
An incident room has been set up at Mountain Ash Police Station and a team of detectives are investigating.
Superintendent Tony Smith, from South Wales Police, said: “I wish to reassure students at the university, parents and the wider community that a full investigation is underway.
“The victim is at home with her family, she has been appointed a specially-trained South Wales Police liaison officer and we are keeping them updated on the enquiry as it progresses.
“I am sure it will be of concern to new students who are arriving to start their university career, and their parents, but this is an extremely rare incident for not only the University but the Pontypridd area.
“Since this incident was reported to us there has been a 24 hour police presence at the university’s campus, which will continue, as well as the campus’ own security staff.”
Scenes of crime officers are carrying out forensic examinations of a number of rooms in the halls, specialist police teams are searching the surrounding area, and enquiries are being made with the students living in Glamorgan Court.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Glamorgan, Professor David Halton, said: “We are offering full support to the victim.
“Although the campus has an excellent reputation as a safe, friendly campus in light of this incident we are reminding all students to follow basic safety advice such as keeping all windows and doors locked at night, stay in groups when walking around the campus late at night, and to report any suspicious activity to security staff or the police”.
The University has set up a dedicated helpline 01443 482896 for parents and students requiring advice or information.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the incident room at Mountain Ash Police Station on 01443 743 678 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
