Two men have now been charged following an investigation into an aggravated sexual assault in Sydney's southwest earlier this year.
In April 2022, detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Campsie Police Area Command commenced a joint investigation under Strike Force Herb following reports a 22-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted at a residence in Belmore on Saturday 16 April 2022.
The woman had arranged to meet a man she had been communicating with via an online dating application, when it's alleged a further four men attended the premises and she was sexually assaulted.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed four simultaneous search warrants at homes in Ashcroft, Fairfield West and Busby about 6am today (Friday 17 June 2022).
A 24-year-old man was arrested at the Ashcroft home and taken to Liverpool Police Station.
He has been charged with six counts of aggravated sex assault offender in company with other person/s.
He was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court later today.
A 19-year-old man attended Granville Police Station earlier this morning, where he was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated sex assault offender in company with other person/s.
He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday 7 July 2021.
Investigations under Strike Force Herb are continuing.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
The New South Wales Police Force provides two ways for victims to report a sexual assault. The first and preferred method is to contact your nearest Police Station and discuss your options including making a formal complaint. The second option, if you decide not to formally report, is to complete the Sexual Assault Reporting Options (SARO) questionnaire which is available online https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/sex_crimes/adult_sexual_assault/sexual_assault_categories/sexual_assault_reporting_option.
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