POLICE today renewed their appeal for information about a knifepoint sex attack in Ipswich town centre.The attempted rape happened nearly six months ago and despite extensive police appeals, officers have been disappointed with the public's response.

POLICE today renewed their appeal for information about a knifepoint sex attack in Ipswich town centre.

The attempted rape happened nearly six months ago and despite extensive police appeals, officers have been disappointed with the public's response.

The victim, a 47-year-old woman, is still coming to terms with the ordeal in which she was followed along St Helen's Street by three men.

They pursued her into Milner Street and one of the men then forced her to the ground and cut her dress with a knife before police believe he was disturbed by a passing car.

The owner of that car has still not made contact with police and officers today urged the driver to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Darrin Tomkins of Ipswich police, said: “I would appeal to anyone who knows the owner of that car to get in touch.

“It is crucial to us in identifying possible witnesses and we would say please come forward. There is no suggestion that the car was involved in the crime.

“No one has been arrested in connection with the incident and, although we conducted anniversary checks, unfortunately we didn't get a great deal of a response.”

DI Tomkins said officers had engaged with experts to try to identify forensic links with possible suspects but so far these have proved fruitless.

He added: “This is continuing. Forensics have so far been unsuccessful but they are continuing.

“It is much harder for the victim when no one is caught and our inquiries are still going on.”

The attack happened at about 12.45am on Sunday, January 29.

All three of the attackers are described as of Eastern European appearance.

One of the men is described as 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in, aged 25 to 35 and of stocky build.

His hair was dark and slicked back and he wore light coloured trousers with a dark top and denim style jacket. The other men were taller, also aged 25 to 35 and wore dark clothing.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Weblink: www.suffolk.police.uk

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