Rape in Graveyard Investigation

29 December 2010, 09:44 | Updated: 29 December 2010, 09:48

Police in Ipswich are appealing for information following an allegation of rape by a 27-year-old woman.

She had been out with a friend in Pals on the evening of Tuesday 28^th December 2010 but became separated from him.  At about 2am in the morning, Wednesday 29^th December 2010 she decided to get a taxi home alone.  There were no taxis outside, she struck up a conversation with a man, and they decided to walk to Liquid to get a taxi.

 At about 2.30am the man raped her in the grounds of the St Nicholas Centre, Franciscan Way, Ipswich.  Afterwards, the victim ran into the road and flagged down a motorist who called the police.

 The female has not yet been formally interviewed but has described her attacker as a white man, aged between 27 and 35 years old, about 5’9” to 5’10” tall who was wearing a hooded top.

 A team of officers is investigating this incident and numerous enquiries have been initiated.  CCTV is being trawled, Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) will conduct a thorough examination of the scene, statements will be obtained, and searches conducted.

Detective Inspector Stephen Clabburn of Ipswich CID said, “This investigation is very much still in the early stages.  I urge anyone who may have been in the area of the St Nicholas Centre in the early hours of this morning or who has any information which could assist with this enquiry to contact Ipswich CID without delay.”

 Anyone who was in the area around the time this incident occurred or who has any information in relation to this incident should call Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.