The organiser of Ipswich's Reclaim The Night protest was "angered" to discover that a sexual assault occurred the very same night the protest took place.

An incident in which a teenage girl was sexually assaulted in Ipswich occurred on the same night as the town's Reclaim The Night protest.

More than 100 people came together to march along Ipswich's Waterfront to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

Isabelle Booth is the organiser of Reclaim The Night Ipswich and also the helpline and volunteer co-ordinator for Suffolk Rape Crisis.

East Anglian Daily Times: Isabelle Booth is the organiser of Reclaim The Night Ipswich and also the helpline and volunteer co-ordinator for Suffolk Rape Crisis.Isabelle Booth is the organiser of Reclaim The Night Ipswich and also the helpline and volunteer co-ordinator for Suffolk Rape Crisis. (Image: Dolly Carter, Newsquest)

Ms Booth said she was "angered" by the news of another sexual assault in Ipswich, saying it highlights the ongoing needs for Reclaim The Night protests.

"Women should be able to live their lives without the fear of violence, whether that's on the streets or in their homes," she added.

"We have to start to connect individual incidences of sexual assault to a culture that normalises misogyny, sexism and violence, and one that often blames women for their experiences rather than focusing on the perpetrator."

The victim of the sexual assault was walking along the river path towards Tower Mill Road when she was approached from behind and pulled to the ground by a man.

East Anglian Daily Times: The victim of the sexual assault on Thursday, December 8 was walking along the river path towards Tower Mill Road when she was approached from behind.The victim of the sexual assault on Thursday, December 8 was walking along the river path towards Tower Mill Road when she was approached from behind. (Image: Newsquest)

A member of the public disturbed the man, causing him to run off in the direction of Sproughton Road.

A spokesman for Suffolk police confirmed the victim is receiving support from specialist officers.

Detectives are currently investigating a number of lines of inquiry to identify the suspect and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them quoting crime reference number 37/77757/22.

Ms Booth added: "We were joined by so many brave men, women and children on Thursday night and we will continue to raise awareness of sexual violence and advocate for survivors."

If you or anyone you know has been affected by the issues discussed in this article, you can contact Suffolk Rape Crisis via their website. Their helpline is also open on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm on 0800 0850 520.