ipswich: Specially-trained officers probing an allegation of rape in the town centre will today speak with the victim in a bid to discover exactly what happened.

On Wednesday night, police were alerted to the attack when the 23-year-old woman reported being raped by an unknown man in an alleyway linking Upper Brook Street with the rear of the Tacket Street car park.

The alleged attack took place at around 6pm and police were contacted within a matter of hours.

Last night, a spokeswoman for Suffolk police said officers were continuing to investigate the allegations.

She said that officers had been interviewing the woman at Ipswich’s sexual assault referral centre and would do so again today to ascertain exactly what happened.

Shocked town residents looked on as officers carried out inquiries in the area.

One man told The Evening Star that he was shocked the attack had taken place before it was dark.

The alleyway was cordoned off for most of yesterday, to allow a forensic team to carry of a sweep of the area and scour the scene for evidence.

Suffolk police have appealed for those who were in the area between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday to come forward. If you can assist police with their investigations, contact Suffolk Constabulary’s Ipswich-based Gemini Team on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.