By Bridie Adams
@BridieAdamsHT
Reporter
A Hereford man has been charged with rape after an incident that led to the cordoning off of Cathedral Close. Christopher Filbrandt, 31, of Eign Mill Road, faces allegations related to an incident in the grounds of Hereford Cathedral on Friday, July 12, 2024.
He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court today (July 15).
Police were alerted in the early hours of Friday after a report was made regarding a woman being raped at approximately 3 a.m. Following the report, police cordoned off all entrances to Cathedral Close, maintaining a visible presence at the scene throughout the morning.
Detective Inspector Ben Pearson expressed understanding that the incident would raise “significant concern” within the community, assuring the public that a thorough investigation was underway. He also mentioned that an increased police presence would be maintained around the cathedral as inquiries progressed, and that the victim was being supported by specially trained officers.
Authorities later released a CCTV image from a local nightspot of a man they wished to interview regarding the incident, which led to the swift identification of Filbrandt. A police spokesperson confirmed that he had been arrested and was in custody while investigations continued.