Man charged with rape after city centre attack

A man has been charged with rape and sexual assault after an alleged attack in an alleyway in Nottingham city centre.

Joseph Healey, 43 and of no fixed address, has also been charged with administering a substance with intent to overpower someone and assault on an emergency worker.

Nottinghamshire Police were called to the scene in Canal Street at about 20:00 BST on Friday, with specially-trained officers supporting the victim, a 19-year-old woman.

Mr Healey is expected to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Det Sgt Helen Sanders said: "Specialist police staff continue to support the victim and she has been kept fully up to date on the course of our investigation.

"A team of officers have worked quickly and efficiently over the course of the weekend to understand exactly what happened and this suspect will appear before magistrates at the earliest opportunity.

"Despite this important step in our investigation we still want to speak to anyone with information.

"We are aware there were a number of people walking along the canal, between the Trent Street Bridge, Loverose Bridge and the A60 London Road Bridge, around this time.

"I'd urge them to get in touch without delay as they may be able to help our inquiries."

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