Police Step Up Search After Sex Assault

9 June 2011, 09:47

Detectives are stepping up their search for a man who sexually assaulted a woman who has recent scratch marks to his arms or face.

Police were contacted shortly after 9:30pm on Sunday 5th of June by a woman who was reporting that she had been assaulted by an intruder inside her own home on Robin Drive in Ipswich.

Scenes of crime officers were at the property throughout Monday, with the forensic examination completed the following day.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Nick Bennett, said: "Although we’ve had a fantastic response from the Ipswich community so far, we need that extra effort from them to help us identify and then arrest this man as soon as possible. We are continuing to work on several leads and look through the forensic evidence we have recovered, but we do need to push the public for that additional assistance we need to get this attacker. He would have returned home with fresh scratch marks to his face, arms or hands. We would appeal to anyone who knows of someone fitting this description to contact us immediately. The woman is far from coming to terms with the assault and she is completely devastated. Thankfully, her family are rallying around her and giving her tremendous support just as we are."

The man they are looking for is described as white, in his mid-40s, of average build, approximately 5’5 tall and smelt of alcohol at the time. He was wearing a navy-blue fleece and similarly-coloured trousers.

The woman is now staying with relatives as she recovers from her traumatic ordeal. She is also receiving support from staff at Suffolk’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Anyone with information in connection with this attack is urged to contact detectives at Ipswich police station on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.