POLICE are hunting a brutal rapist who attacked a teenage girl in a field next to a Suffolk high school.The 16-year-old victim, who is said to be in a "deep state of shock", was raped at the field near Thurleston High School, in Defoe Road, Ipswich, after a night out with friends.

By Jonathan Barnes

POLICE are hunting a brutal rapist who attacked a teenage girl in a field next to a Suffolk high school.

The 16-year-old victim, who is said to be in a "deep state of shock", was raped at the field near Thurleston High School, in Defoe Road, Ipswich, after a night out with friends.

Detectives last night described the sex assault as "despicable", and said it was vital the man responsible was caught as soon as possible.

The victim had been part of a large group who had gathered at the spot on Friday night, and the teenager returned there later that evening after realising she had lost her mobile phone.

It is believed she had been drinking and, while she was looking for the phone, she had laid down on the field because she was feeling unwell.

Police said the girl became aware of a man touching her shortly afterwards, and she was then raped.

Her attacker left and the girl made her way home, where she told her mother she had been sexually assaulted. The police were called at 11.45pm.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said the girl was in "a deep state of shock" and specialist officers were working with her to get a full account of what happened.

She added officers had not yet been able to take a formal statement because of the victim's trauma and the description of the attacker was vague.

Detective Chief Inspector John Quinton, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a despicable attack on a young, vulnerable girl. It is important we find this man as soon as possible.

"I need to speak to anyone who was at Thurleston field on Friday night.

"I am asking anyone who was there to contact police whether or not they believe they have information relevant to this inquiry as they may have valuable information about this offence which may help us find the person responsible."

Anyone who was at Thurleston field on Friday night or who has any information about this incident should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.