Man charged with town centre rape

HAMPSHIRE POLICE have confirmed a man has been officially charged with the rape of another male following a sexual assault incident occurring in the vicinity of Gosport Town Centre earlier this month; with the offence reported to officers during the early hours of the morning of July 10 (Sunday).

Although the exact timings of the sexual assault are not known to the public at the time of writing, it is reported to have taken place in an area of Walpole Road between the Morrisons supermarket and the junction leading to Spring Garden Lane / Stoke Road; near to the pedestrian high street area.

An investigation was immediately launched by police who arrested twenty-five year old Cihat Mert, of Forton Road in Gosport, on suspicion of rape after initial inquiries. And in a short statement released to the public, it was confirmed that he had been charged following questioning under caution.

Mr Mert was remanded in custody and was scheduled to appear at a hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court earlier today (July 21); but no further updates have been released on the outcome. Furthermore police haven’t launched any appeal for witnesses or information at this time.

If readers have been the victim of rape or sexual assault, they are advised to report it to police as soon as possible. But if not ready to talk to officers, there is a range of organisations available to receive specialist support or medical help; with Hampshire Police listing information via this page.

PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE POLICE: Graphic outlining when somebody has been charged with offences.