A MAN appeared in court this morning charged with two counts of rape following an incident in Minehead.

The charges follow an incident at about 1.30am on July 5 in the Co-op car park area.

Officers say a 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted.

In a separate incident shortly before that, a 24-year-old woman was physically assaulted as she walked along the Esplanade towards the town centre near the West Somerset Railway station.

She was not seriously injured.

Police arrested two men in London on Friday and brought them to Taunton for questioning.

Ioan Bucatariu, 23, of London, appeared at Taunton Deane Magistrates’ Court this morning facing two charges of rape. The case was committed to crown court on July 27.

The other man who was arrested has been bailed by police pending further enquiries.

Police carried out extra uniformed patrols over the weekend in Minehead to reassure and protect the public.

Police have also issued nighttime safety advice:

  • Don't walk alone at night – book a cab or stay with a friend
  • Stay alert to your surroundings – don't chat on your mobile or listen to an MP3
  • Get and carry a personal attack alarm
  • Stick to well-lit, busy areas – don't take that dark shortcut
  • Tell someone where you're going and who you're with
  • Walk confidently and be wary of strangers trying to start a conversation
  • Have your car or house keys ready to hand
  • Report anything suspicious to police on 0845-4567000

If you should be attacked:

  • Scream, set off your personal alarm – make as much noise as you can
  • Run to a busy place as soon as you can and call 999