Man arrested on suspicion of rape in alleyway

Police investigating allegations of a serious sexual assault in a town alleyway have arrested a man on suspicion of rape.

Suffolk Police said a woman in her 20s had been walking along Tavern Street in Ipswich where she was approached by a man, who then attacked her in an alleyway off Dial Lane at about 03:15 GMT.

The force said on Wednesday that a 19-year-old man from Ipswich had been arrested and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

The victim was being assisted by specialist officers and an increased police presence was in the area.

Det Insp Benjamin Rushmere said: "We understand the concern this incident will raise but we want to reassure the public we are investigating all lines of inquiry to ensure we can find those responsible."

He added that they wanted to hear from anyone who "saw anything that looked suspicious, unusual or out of place".

Rushmere said the force was in the early stages of the investigation and urged members of the public to avoid online speculation.

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