News / Crime
Four charged after teenager raped
Avon and Somerset Police have charged four people as part of an investigation into the rape and exploitation of a teenage girl.
On November 30, it was reported that the teenager had been raped on the previous night inside a residential property in St Werburgh’s.
Two 16-year-old boys were arrested on the scene.
One has since been released on conditional police bail, with enquiries ongoing. The other was rearrested on Thursday.
Three additional men were arrested following the incident as part of Operation Bluestone: the force’s dedicated rape and serious sexual offences team.
The Crown Prosecution Service has now authorised charges against four people.
The first, a 20-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with two counts of rape.
He was also charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation.
Salman Habibkheil, 18, of Lockleaze was also charged with rape and arranging or facilitating the travel of a female with a view to exploitation.
Awal Amadzai, an 18-year-old from Redcliffe, was charged with rape and sexual assault, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be identified due to his age has been charged with rape.
All four appeared in Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, and have been remanded to appear at Bristol Crown Court on January 7.
Bristol’s acting superintendent, Keith Smith, said: “There has been a thorough investigation completed over the past week following the disclosure of these offences.
“They are incredibly serious and we have worked quickly to establish the circumstances, and ensure safeguarding measures are in place for the victim.
“We are making sure she is receiving all the support she needs and we will continue to keep her and her family updated as the court process progresses.
“We’re continuing to work hard to tackle exploitation across Avon and Somerset and wherever these offences are identified, we will take swift and strong action through our specialist investigation teams.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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