Woman left unconscious after suspected serious sexual assault in Ipswich

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious sexual assault in Ipswich this morning which left a young woman unconscious.

The attack happened at some time between 12.15am and 1.20am in the vicinity of Tacket Street and Carr Street.

• The attack has been described as “barbaric” by police chiefs and reopened the debate over police patrols in the town centre.

The ambulance service were called just before 1.20am to reports that the victim – a woman in her 20s – had been found unconscious in a car park in Tacket Street. It is believed the victim was attacked at some time during the preceding hour and five minutes.

The victim is currently being supported by specialist trained officers as detectives launch an investigation into the incident.

A police scene was set up the Tacket Street car park, continuing through a passageway leading to Carr Street.

The cordon has since been lifted.

Detectives would like to hear from any potential witnesses who were in the above area of the town centre between 12am and 1.45am this morning.

Anyone with any information about this attack is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team on 101, quoting reference 58370/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Opinion piece: The reputation of our town is in danger of burning down around us - action is needed.