Police investigating suspected rape at HTB Focus Festival

A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape at Holy Trinity Brompton's Focus Festival.

The man was arrested on Wednesday and is being questioned by Hampshire Police.

Worship in the Big Top at Focus 2018. Focus/Facebook

The festival at the Somerley Estate on the Hampshire-Dorset border attracts thousands of mainly younger people and is badged as 'a week of teaching, worship and community for HTB and associated churches'. HTB is associated with the Alpha Course popularised by Nicky Gumbel.

This year the gathering was addressed by the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullalley, and RT Kendall.

Participants saw police on site as festival-goers were packing up to leave on Tuesday.

A police spokesman told Premier: ' A police spokesman said: 'We were called at 05.06am on August 1 to a report of a 21-year-old woman being sexually assaulted at the Focus Festival which was being held at the Somerley Estate, north of Ringwood at some point between 1.30 am and 2 am.

' The victim is receiving support from specialist officers.

'A 54 year-old man who is not from Hampshire has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in custody at this time.'

HTB told Premer it would not comment on the case as it was a police matter.

News
Cuban bishops warn oil sanctions could deepen hardship and unrest
Cuban bishops warn oil sanctions could deepen hardship and unrest

The message, read in Catholic parishes nationwide, warned that further pressure on fuel access would fall most heavily on vulnerable families already struggling to survive.

Turkey taken to task over Christians banned from the country
Turkey taken to task over Christians banned from the country

Foreign pastors are often labelled "national security" threats.

Church of England directs £600,000 towards clergy mental health and financial support
Church of England directs £600,000 towards clergy mental health and financial support

The funding package includes new grants for two national charities working with clergy facing psychological strain and financial pressure.

St William shrine fragments return to York Minster after 500 years underground
St William shrine fragments return to York Minster after 500 years underground

Fragments of a long-lost medieval shrine honouring St William of York have returned to York Minster for the first time in nearly 500 years, marking a major moment in the cathedral’s history and a highlight of its programme for 2026.