Four teenagers due in court charged with rape

Four teenagers will appear in court after a woman was raped at a property, police said.

They were arrested and charged on Thursday after a report was forwarded to police about an incident in Weston-super-Mare on June 21. They later appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on July 11.

Tommy Campbell, 19, and Rio Welling, 18, from Weston-super-Mare, will appear at Bristol Crown Court on August 10, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named due to their age, will also appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on July 13.

Avon and Somerset Police said the victim is being supported by specially trained officers who will continue to provide him with as much support as he needs.

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The names of the 4 people accused are as follows:

• Campbell is charged with six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

• Welling is charged with two counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment.

• A 17-year-old boy was charged with three counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

• A second 17-year-old boy was charged with one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

‘An incredibly serious incident’

Det Insp Natalie Thatcher said: “Our investigation into this incredibly serious incident has been ongoing for the last few weeks and the charges authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service are a significant milestone.

“We are aware that pre-planned coordinated arrest attempts in Weston and Worle on Thursday have raised some local concerns, so we wanted to be transparent about why these were necessary.

“We would like to thank people for their patience while these investigations are carried out.”

Campbell and two 17-year-olds will be held in custody until their court appearance.

Welling was released on conditional bail by the court.

None of the four entered a plea.

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