Man arrested after alleged Lord Street bar sexual assault

1st August 2023

This story contains reference to an incident of sexual assault. Resources with support are available at the bottom of this article.

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man following reports of a sexual assault at Oath Lounge on Lord Street yesterday (Monday).

Officers confirmed they received the report just hours after Oath Lounge had its alcohol licence temporarily revoked, pending a 21-day appeal period. Sefton Council reached the decision yesterday following an incident in May where a female was reportedly assaulted, with staff allegedly deleting CCTV around the time of the incident.

Oath Lounge has been cordoned off by police since yesterday evening.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm officers are currently in Southport following an allegation of a sexual assault.

“We were contacted at 8.25pm yesterday, Monday 31st July, following reports a female had been the victim of an assault at Oath Bar on Lord Street earlier in the evening.

“A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He is currently in custody where he will be questioned by detectives.

“An investigation remains ongoing.

“The female is being supported by specially trained officers.

“You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

“There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities.

“In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.”