A MOTHER'S emotional appeal for information to find the stranger who raped her in Ipswich has prompted a series of calls from the public to detectives hunting the sex attacker.

By Lisa Baxter

A MOTHER'S emotional appeal for information to find the stranger who raped her in Ipswich has prompted a series of calls from the public to detectives hunting the sex attacker.

"We have had several calls as a result of her very brave appeal," said police spokesman Steve Henry, of the 19-year-old victim's harrowing appeal yesterday.

The victim, who comes from the Colchester area, relived her nightmare at a press conference as she pleaded for anyone who thought they might know the attacker to contact police.

She told how a stranger approached her on a bench as she sat crying opposite Ipswich's railway station. She had just left Kartouche nightclub in Princes Street at around 12.20am on Saturday, July 28, after falling out with friends, when the attacker approached.

Her attacker posed as a Good Samaritan, offering her help. He was "polite and well-spoken" and walked her along Ranelagh Road, Birkfield Drive and into Stone Lodge Lane where he raped her on an isolate pathway near Paul's Sports and Social Club.

The woman, who has a young son, had only ever been to Ipswich once before the attack.

She told how the rapist – who is in his early 20s and about 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall – laughed at his victim and said: "It happens to everyone sooner or later."

The sex attacker is of plump build with short spiky brown hair, is clean shaven and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone who thinks they might recognise the attacker should contact the rape hotline on 01473 613999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An appeal for information will be featured on the BBC's Crimewatch UK programme tomorrow night.