Woman gang raped repeatedly by rugby players in hotel appeals for witnesses as image released 40 years on
A woman who was gang raped at 17 by a group of touring rugby players is hunting for her attackers 40 years on.
The victim was allegedly repeatedly raped by several men at the now-closed Strathmore Hotel in Elliot Street, Plymouth, Devon, in 1978.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the teenager and her friend had been socialising at the Safari Club, now known as the Notte Inn, when they met a man, believed to be in his 20s.
The man said he was a maths teacher and was part of a sports team on tour from South Wales.
The girl left her friend and went with the teacher to his room at the Strathmore Hotel.
But about an hour later a large group of men, believed to have been known to the teacher, barged into the room and the victim was subjected to multiple rapes.
The men who committed the offences on a Saturday in late January or early February 1978 were all described as white, clean shaven and believed to be in their 20s.
Afterwards, during the early evening, the teacher and another man visited the nearby Duke of Cornwall Hotel with the traumatised girl and her friend.
Police are trying to trace the two men as vital witnesses.
The victim has helped create e-fit images of them.
Detective Superintendent Jo Hall, who is leading the investigation, said: “I believe these men are the key to identifying the individuals who carried out this horrendous attack as it is clear the group of men are known to each other.
“We must remember these images are based on the men in 1978, over 40 years ago, so they would have changed considerably in that time and are likely to be in their 60s now.
“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises these men and I would remind the public that I am seeking these men as witnesses to a horrific crime upon a young female.”
Police are looking to speak to anyone who was working or staying at Strathmore Hotel in January or February 1978.
Ms Hall added: “These offences have had a significant impact upon the life of this woman and they remain with her to this day.
“Although this happened over 40 years ago, there is every likelihood allegiances have changed in that time and now is the time to do the right thing.
“If you recognise either of these men or have any information about these offences or who could have committed them please contact us.
“I need the help of the public to trace the men responsible.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police by calling 0800 096 1233 if calling from the UK or internationally on 0207 158 0197, quoting crime reference number CR/023620/15.
Those with information can also report it online via a dedicated appeal page https://mipp.police.uk.
Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
If you have been affected by sexual violence, you can find help via the NHS. Rape Crisis offers specialist support for women and girls; and the The Survivors’ Trust supports people of any gender
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