Police are appealing for specific witnesses to come forward following a rape and non-fatal strangulation in Milton Keynes.

The appeal relates to an incident that happened between 6.20am and 7am on Sunday 2 March in a property in Harlech Place, when a woman in her late teens was raped and non-fatally strangled by a man.

As part of their appeal, Thames Valley Police confirmed that a 24-year-old man from Bletchley has been arrested on suspicion of rape and non-fatal strangulation. He has been released on police bail until 24 May.

The police force that covers Milton Keynes also said they were seeking to speak with a specific witness that may have spoken to the victim just after the incident happened.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Elizabeth Lynch, said, “We are carrying out extensive enquiries following this incident and supporting the victim and working with her to gather further information.

“We are specifically appealing for a woman of a mixed ethnic background who was wearing a dressing gown, who may have spoken to the victim in the park next to Ludlow Close after the incident.

“We are asking anyone with information to please come forward and would ask people to please check their CCTV, or if they were driving in the area between 6.20am and 7am to check any dash-cam footage they may have.

“If you have information please call 101 quoting reference 43250102579

or if you have dash-cam or CCTV footage please upload it to our dedicated page.”

Milton Keynes City Council have fined an illegal food trader who attempted to operate outside a concert at the National Bowl music venue in Milton Keynes.

Smith Finest Food were found trading near the National Bowl during the Chase and Status concert, attempting to capitalise on the passing foot traffic of event-goers.

In a statement, MK City Council said, “Not only were they operating without a valid permit, but they also created serious safety risks by serving food onto a live carriageway at a busy taxi drop-off point. Their food unit was illegally parked on a public footpath, with their towing vehicle obstructing a redway.”

The City Council also said that despite warnings from the Licensing Officer, the traders refused to stop. The magistrates expressed concern over the traders disregard for regulations and safety.

In the hearing, the traders ordered total fines of £3,848. Mr and Mrs Smith were individually ordered to each pay a fine of £660, costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £264, for both engaging in street trading without being authorised to do so. 

Milton Keynes City Council is reminding all street traders that operating without a valid permit is illegal and will lead to enforcement action. Businesses must ensure they have the correct permits to trade legally and safely.

Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr Mick Legg, said, “This was a blatant disregard for public safety and our action proves that no one is above the law. We understand that people want to do business at popular city events, but they must follow the rules like everyone else, as the rules are there for good reason.

“The team will continue to do proactive work to tackle instances like this, protecting customers and ensuring street traders have a satisfactory hygiene rating, public liability insurance, and do not pose a risk to the public.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and weapons incident in Milton Keynes.

The incident happened just before 5.30pm on Thursday (13/3), when there was an altercation between two men in Downs Field, Newport Pagnell, where it was reported that a sword was seen.

Thames Valley Police have provided a description of the two individuals involved as part of their appeal.

One of the men was around 6ft tall, white, and was wearing a grey puffer style jacket with a hood, a light coloured beanie hat, light coloured trousers and light coloured shoes. He is described as being around 18 to 20-years-old.

The second man was also white, wearing a dark blue jacket, black hooded top, dark trousers with a white patch on the left trouser leg and black shoes. His age is unknown.

The first man is believed to have sustained a cut to his lip.

No arrests have been made.

Investigating officer PC Alexander Wong, based at Milton Keynes police station, said, “I’m appealing to anybody who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information that can help us identify the two men, to please contact Thames Valley Police.

“I’d also ask for anybody who may have dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage to please check this and get in touch if it has captured anything that may assist this investigation.

“You can report online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 43250123909.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Central Milton Keynes.

The incident happened at around 9pm on Friday 7 March, when a group of four men were stood outside the TDC restaurant in Secklow Gate.

Three vehicles, one of which was a BMW and another a Mercedes, appeared and between eight to 10 men exited the vehicles and approached the group of four men.  

An argument between the two groups began, which turned into a physical altercation, involving hammers and a knife.

Three men sustained injuries, requiring hospital treatment. They have since been discharged.

Thames Valley Police described the offenders in their report as being of south Asian heritage.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sarah-Jane Pledger said, “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident.

“I am also appealing to anyone with dash-cam footage or CCTV footage to please get in contact with us.

“Anyone with information can call 101 or make an online report, via our website, quoting crime reference number 43250113418.”