Sexual Assault

 Suffolk Police is appealing for information following an attack on a woman in Ipswich.  Police were contacted shortly after 11.50pm last night, Sunday, 31st July 2011 reporting that a 19-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted.

 
Early indications are that the woman left a friend’s house at about 11pm to look for a friend.  She was approached by a man at about 11.20pm in Belstead Road who initially asked for her phone but then tackled her to the ground and physically and sexually and assaulted her.  She has sustained minor injuries and bruising.

The man is described as white, aged in his 20s, slightly taller than 5’9/10”, stocky/broad build, and was wearing dark coloured tracksuit bottoms, a dark coloured tracksuit top with the hood up, and white trainers.

Specially trained officers will speak to the female today to establish exactly what has happened.

An area of wasteland on Belstead Road has been cordoned off while police conduct initial enquiries.  A team of officers is investigating this incident and numerous enquiries have been initiated.  CCTV is being trawled, Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) are conducting a thorough examination of the scene, statements are being obtained, and searches are taking place.

Detective Inspector Stuart Sowerby of Ipswich CID said, “This investigation is very much still in the early stages.  The female is extremely shaken by this incident and suffered some minor injuries.

“I urge anyone who may have been in the Belstead Road area of the town late last night to contact Ipswich CID without delay as they may hold important information, which may assist this inquiry.”

Anyone who was in the area around the time this incident occurred or who has any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact DI Stuart Sowerby at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.