CONCERNED residents today urged for improvements to street lighting after a report of a “shocking” rape of a man on a badly lit footpath. The victim, believed to be in his late 30s, was walking along Pram Walk, near the Ordinance roundabout at Felixstowe, when he is believed to have been attacked by another man.

CONCERNED residents today urged for improvements to street lighting after a report of a “shocking” rape of a man on a badly lit footpath.

The victim, believed to be in his late 30s, was walking along Pram Walk, near the Ordinance roundabout at Felixstowe, when he is believed to have been attacked by another man.

Anna Woolnough, Suffolk police spokeswoman, said: “Police are currently investigating a complaint of rape made by a man aged in his late 30s.

“The man had been at the Band Box nightclub when he left in the early hours of the morning and walked towards the Ordinance roundabout.

“Another male, who was waiting in Pram Lane, raped him. The victim then returned to Band Box where he met with friends.

“He later contacted police and reported the incident.”

Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO) cordoned off the area for several hours while they gathered evidence yesterday.

As police today continued their investigations, stunned residents called for more lighting on the dimly lit passageway.

Elizabeth Fowler, 55, of nearby Grange Road, uses the path as a short cut from her home into the town.

She said: “People will be very shocked. I've never heard of a crime like this, you don't expect it in Felixstowe. I think there should be better lamps along here, it is not well lit enough.”

As reported yesterday on The Evening Star's website, the attack happened just yards from Garrison Lane.

James Taylor, who works at the Ordinance Fish and Chip Shop near where it happened, said: “I saw it had been cordoned off by police but they wouldn't tell us why. I thought there had been a fight. It is very unusual.”

Elaine Quigley, landlady of the nearby Ordinance public house, said: “I am stunned. I've never heard of that sort of attack here or anywhere else. I'm just amazed. People will be shocked to hear of it. It is so unusual.”

Mrs Quigley said she went to bed at 3am and didn't hear or see anything suspicious.

The walk, at the north end of Langer Park, leads up a small hill to Coronation Drive and has just two street lamps. In parts it is surrounded by hedges and undergrowth.

Luke Robinson, 21, who works close to the scene of the attack, said: “It is an obvious place for someone to get attacked. I understand why women would feel vulnerable or nervous walking through there at night. It is very dark at night.”

Do you think there should be better lighting in Pram Walk? Do you feel vulnerable walking home at night? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.