Reverend offers reassurance after cathedral rape

The latest attack took place in the grounds of Hereford Cathedral on Sunday

Reassurances are being offered that Hereford remains a safe place for a night out after a second rape attack within four months on a lane near the city’s cathedral.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and released on bail after a woman was attacked early on Sunday.

In relation to the earlier attack in July, Christopher Filbrandt, of Eign Mill Road, Hereford, has been accused of rape..

“Our prayers are with all of those affected and we would be very happy to extend any pastoral support or offer prayers in support of anyone troubled by this,” The Dean of Hereford the Very Reverend Sarah Brown said.

"We were all deeply saddened to hear about the incident on the Cathedral Close on Sunday morning."

She pointed out there was already “extensive” CCTV coverage of Cathedral Close, adding “we will continue to work with the local authorities and police to ensure that we are doing all that we can to ensure visitors to the Close remain safe after dark.”

Robert Thomas, lead executive of Hereford social charity Vennture whose street pastor scheme promotes safety in the city at night, said that despite his group’s and others’ efforts, “if someone is determined to a bad thing, they will plan it and will pick their time and place”.

'Stick together'

“There have been more street pastors and additional police street patrols in recent months so there is a visible presence at night serving as a deterrent,” he said.

As well as helping people get home safely, Vennture’s street pastors would also keep an eye on individuals approaching people late at night, working with venues’ door staff to spot problems, he said.

“Hereford is a very safe place. But occasionally there will be people determined to hurt others,” he added.

Mr Thomas's main advice to ensure a safe night out, is for people “to stick together with friends on the way home, and avoid strangers.”