FOUR TEENAGERS CHARGED WITH RAPE IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE

Four teenagers have been charged following an investigation into the abduction and rape of a woman in Weston-super-Mare. Tommy Campbell, aged 19, faces six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. Rio Welling, aged 18, has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment. Two further 17-year-old boys have also been charged; one faces three counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, whilst the other faces one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The woman reported to police that she had been threatened and raped at a property in the area. The investigation has been underway for several weeks prior to the charges being authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service. Detective Inspector Natalie Thatcher stated that the charges represent "a significant milestone" in the enquiry. Officers noted that co-ordinated pre-planned arrest attempts across Weston and Worle on Thursday caused local concern, and said they sought to be transparent about the necessity of those operations.

All four teenagers have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear at Taunton magistrates' court on 11 July. Detective Inspector Thatcher confirmed that the victim has been updated by specially trained officers who will continue to provide support throughout the process.