A young woman is reported to have been sexually assaulted on a Suffolk beach by a man she met earlier in the evening.

Suffolk police received reports early this morning that a 21-year-old woman had been assaulted on Lowestoft beach near the Hatfield Hotel.

Det Insp David Dring said police received the initial reports at 12.31am involving a man who the woman had met earlier in the evening.

“This 33-year-old man was subsequently identified to police and arrested at 1.45am,” Det Insp Dring added.

“He was taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre and he remains at this location.

“Specially trained officers are meeting with the woman today to gain further details about the assault and the scene will be subject to forensic examination.”

Members of the public had reported seeing a cordoned off section of the beach, near the hotel, earlier today.

The section of beach is to the south of Lowestoft Port.