A NAKED woman was found in a distressed state in Fuschia Lane, Ipswich in the early hours of this morning.The 51-year-old woman was found by a member of the public at around 12am in an alleyway leading to the railway embankment.

A NAKED woman was found in a distressed state in Fuschia Lane, Ipswich in the early hours of this morning.

The 51-year-old woman was found by a member of the public at around 12am in an alleyway leading to the railway embankment.

She said she was unsure what had happened to her before being found.

The area has now been cordoned off for further investigation.

This morning a black handbag, black shoes and a packet of cigarettes were all that remained in the pathway where she was found.

A traffic warden was patrolling the area in order to preserve the scene and fire officers were removing a tarpaulin they had put up over night to keep the area dry.

Scenes of crime officers were due to begin a full investigation once it was removed.

Around half a dozen plain clothes police officers were carrying out enquiries in the area.

Residents expressed their concern at the night's events. Bertrin Gentry of Darwin Road said: "I heard a commotion at about 1am but thought nothing of it. It sounded like a heavy duty lorry. When I looked out of the window it was backing up towards the bridge. I did not hear the police or any other noises."

Debbie Crick, of Fuschia Lane, said: "The only thing I heard was a fire engine at about 1.30am. Nobody around here is exactly sure what happened but it is shocking when an area is cordoned off by the police. I hope the lady is ok."

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area last night. They should contact Detective Sergeant Duncan Sheppard at Ipswich CID on 01473 383132 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.