"It's not right that women and girls don't feel safe in this area" police say after Trans Pennine Trail rape

A police officer has said it’s “absolutely not right” women are feeling unsafe as they continue investigating reports of a rape on a popular South Yorkshire hiking trail.

Barnsley Neighbourhoods Inspector Rebecca Richardson shared her thoughts after the incident on the Trans Pennine Trail this Wednesday, November 5.

It is reported that a woman was raped at around 2.50pm on the trail near to Harlington Road and Furlong Road.

Insp Richardson has been serving in the nearby Bolton-upon-Dearne area for the last eight years and has spoken out as investigations continue.

”It's absolutely not right that women and girls don't feel safe in this area,” she said.

“I run on a regular basis and use the Trans Pennine trail as a route that I often use.

"Like any woman or girl, I want to feel safe in this area. It's absolutely right that they should be able to use this trail and feel safe in doing so, and I am standing with the local community to do everything I can to make women and girls feel safe again."

Crime scene investigators have remained in the area since Wednesday, with support from our Mounted Section and Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team.

Searches were also carried out on Friday (November 6) in the river and on the riverbank by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Marine and Underwater Search Unit.

Insp Richardson hopes that a continued police presence in the area will offer "reassurance and visibility" in light of the incident.

Police have previously revealed that the victim - who is receiving support from officers and medical professionals - had described a suspect as of a tall and stocky build and was wearing a dark jumper sweatshirt, black gloves and a black face covering.

He is believed to have spoken with a southern accent.

Officers are still appealing for information and have asked witnesses to come forward either online, or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 550 of November 4, 2026.