Rachel has released a statement following two men being charged with the horrific rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton:
I am deeply shocked and distressed by the news of a 12-year-old girl who was the victim of a horrific rape in Nuneaton. My thoughts are first and foremost with her. We must all stand united in condemning and rooting out all violence against women and girls, whoever the perpetrators are.
While legal proceedings are ongoing, it is important that politicians and members of the public refrain from speculating about this case online – to do so risks a future trial collapsing and the victim being denied the justice she deserves.
I have concerns about the current police guidance on transparency with the public in extremely sensitive and worrying cases like this one, and this is something I am raising with the Home Office.
What I can confirm is that two men have now been charged over this offence and police have released their names. Investigations remain ongoing.
The police are appealing for witnesses who were in the Cheveral Street area in Nuneaton between 8.30pm and 9.45pm on Tuesday 22 July.
If you have any information that might aid the investigation – no matter how big or small – please come forward.
It is vital that anyone guilty of this vile act ends up behind bars where they belong.
At times like this, it is essential that we pull together for the sake of the victim. I would urge everyone to remain calm and allow the police the space they need to ensure the innocent victim at the centre of this case gets the justice she deserves