Authorities in the Canton of Bern have released a composite sketch of a man sought in connection with a sexual assault that occurred in Urtenen-Schönbühl on July 31, 2025. The Canton of Bern Police are appealing to the public for information as the investigation continues.
The incident took place on the Eigerweg, where a woman was assaulted and sustained minor injuries. Investigators have now refined the description of the suspect and created a sketch based on witness statements in the hope of generating new leads.
Key Takeaways
- Police are searching for a man following a sexual assault in Urtenen-Schönbühl on July 31, 2025.
- A composite sketch and a detailed description of the suspect have been made public.
- The suspect is described as 20 to 35 years old, with black, curly hair and a slender build.
- Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact them directly.
Investigation into Summer Assault Progresses
The investigation stems from an incident reported on the evening of Thursday, July 31, 2025. A woman was attacked on the Eigerweg, a path in the municipality of Urtenen-Schönbühl. While the woman's injuries were described as minor, the nature of the assault prompted a significant police response.
For several months, detectives have been gathering evidence and following leads. The latest development in the case is the public release of a composite sketch, a step often taken when other investigative avenues have been exhausted and public assistance is needed to identify a person of interest.
The Role of a Composite Sketch
A composite sketch, known in German as a Phantombild, is an important tool in criminal investigations. It is not an exact portrait but a visual representation created by a trained artist based on a witness's memory. Its purpose is to create a likeness that can be recognized by people who may know the individual, leading to crucial tips for law enforcement.
Detailed Suspect Description Published
In conjunction with the sketch, the Canton of Bern Police and the Regional Public Prosecutor's Office for Bern-Mittelland have issued a detailed description of the wanted individual. Authorities hope these specifics will help members of the public recognize the man.
Suspect Profile
- Age: Estimated between 20 and 35 years old.
- Height: Approximately 170 to 180 centimetres.
- Build: Slender stature.
- Hair: Black and curly.
- Facial Hair: None; described as clean-shaven at the time.
- Clothing: He was reportedly wearing a black hooded tracksuit jacket and grey tracksuit trousers.
Officials are emphasizing that the public should pay close attention to the combination of these features. The description of his clothing is specific to the time of the incident but may help someone recall seeing an individual matching this profile in the area around late July.
Authorities Appeal for Public Assistance
The success of this phase of the investigation now heavily relies on public cooperation. Law enforcement officials believe someone in the community may have seen the man described, either on the day of the incident or at another time, and may recognize him from the sketch.
Investigators are urging anyone who might have information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. This includes individuals who may have been in the Eigerweg area on July 31 or those who recognize the person depicted in the sketch from their community or daily life.
"The Regional Public Prosecutor's Office Bern-Mittelland and the Canton of Bern Police are releasing the composite sketch to find witnesses who can provide information about the crime or the perpetrator," an official statement confirmed.
This joint appeal underscores the seriousness of the case and the coordinated effort to bring the perpetrator to justice. The authorities have established a dedicated phone line for tips related to this case.
How to Provide Information
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the police immediately. Even small details can be critical in connecting the dots for investigators.
Tips can be provided directly to the Canton of Bern Police by calling the following number: +41 31 303 26 31.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details about the victim or the specific circumstances of the assault have been released to protect the integrity of the case and the privacy of the individual involved.