In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Sussex Police are seeking to identify a man in connection with a rape investigation in Bognor Regis, West Sussex. The incident was reported to have occurred at the Bognor Regis campus of the University of Chichester between 10pm and 10:45pm on Monday, 5 January. It was reported that the victim, a man in his 20s, was raped by an unknown male on the university grounds.
The investigation established the serious nature of the assault and the ongoing efforts to locate the individual pictured. Sussex Police reported that a thorough investigation, codenamed Operation Collingwood, was launched immediately following the report. The prosecution reported that the victim has been provided with continuous support from specialist officers as enquiries continue to progress in the Bognor Regis area.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The police reported that CCTV captured images of a man they believe possesses information vital to the case. Sussex Police released images showing the individual both with and without glasses on the university campus. The investigation established that identifying this man is a high priority for detectives, as he was present at the location during the timeframe of the reported attack.
Detective Inspector Matt Phelps stated that the welfare of the victim remains the foremost priority of the investigation. For the incident in Bognor Regis, police are urging anyone who recognises the man or has any information regarding Operation Collingwood to come forward. The judge noted in similar cases that public assistance in identifying individuals from CCTV is often the catalyst for significant breakthroughs in stranger-attack enquiries.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of the Operation Collingwood investigation is as follows:
- Current Status: Active investigation / Suspect identification sought.
- Offence: Rape of a male.
- Location: University of Chichester, Bognor Regis campus, West Sussex.
- Police Force: Sussex Police.
- Reporting Reference: Operation Collingwood / 101.
- Origin: Bognor Regis, West Sussex.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The investigation is managed under strict protocols for serious sexual offences to ensure the safety of the campus and the wider community. Due to the nature of the conduct in West Yorkshire, specifically a stranger rape on a university site, the management of this case is a maximum priority for the Safeguarding Investigations Unit. Authorities state that identifying the man pictured is essential to preventing any further risk to students or residents in Bognor Regis.
As the search continues, police are maintaining a presence in the Bognor Regis area to provide reassurance. Authorities state that the nature of the attack on the University of Chichester campus necessitates a rapid resolution. Any individual found to be withholding information or assisting a suspect in evading the authorities will be subject to immediate investigation and potential criminal charges.
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