A Barnsley police inspector has spoken about how a rape on the Trans Pennine Trail has affected her personally. She says she uses the route herself.

South Yorkshire Police said a woman was raped at about 2.50pm on Wednesday 4 November. It happened on the trail in Bolton-upon-Dearne, near Harlington Road and Furlong Road.

Inspector Rebecca Richardson has led neighbourhood policing in Bolton-upon-Dearne and the surrounding areas for eight years. She said: “It’s absolutely not right that women and girls don’t feel safe in this area. I run on a regular basis and the Trans Pennine Trail is a route that I often use.”

She added: “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.”

Crime scene investigators stayed at the scene today (Friday 6 November). The force’s Mounted Section and its Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team supported them. The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Marine and Underwater Search Unit also searched the river and the riverbank.

Police say officers will remain in the area. Inspector Richardson said she hopes their presence will offer “reassurance and visibility” to residents.

The force is urging anyone with information to come forward immediately. You can call 101 or report online, quoting incident number 550 of 4 November 2026.

You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through crimestoppers-uk.org.