IPSWICH: Up to 20 police officers are today involved in a manhunt to catch a sex attacker who snatched an Ipswich teenager off the street before raping her.

The man leading the inquiry, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Luckett, of Suffolk Constabulary’s major investigation team, said the victim has understandably been left traumatised.

He also appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward, especially if they recognise the man in an e-fit issued by police or have seen the dark blue car he was driving.

The attack occurred at around 7pm on Friday after the girl was grabbed in Landseer Road and taken to woodland next to Holywells Road where she was raped.

Det Ch Insp Luckett said: “This was serious incident. The girl has been through a traumatic experience. We are working with her to try to get as much detail about what happened as possible, and support her in the best way we can.

“It was a violent attack in that she was taken by force and suffered a serious sexual assault.

“What I am very keen to do is to trace the owner of that dark blue vehicle.

“It may be this is someone who is local as it was an unusual place to go for someone who doesn’t know the area. However, I am keeping an open mind.

“We would like to reassure people that this type of crime is extremely unusual.

“Our major investigation team is working closely with officers from Operation Gemini, a team of dedicated investigators who only deal with offences of rape, to ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible.

“If anyone thinks they recognise the male from the e-fit likeness then I urge them to contact police immediately.”

The victim had been out with friends and was walking alone along Landseer Road, near to Johnstone’s Paint when the dark blue car pulled alongside her.

The driver bundled her into the car. He then drove a short distance to a car park near Ipswich Tyre and Exhaust on the industrial estate on the corner of Landseer Road and Cliff Lane.

The man forced the victim out of the car and raped her in nearby woodland adjoining Holywells Road.

Afterwards the victim ran into Cliff Lane and then Oulton Road where she alerted a member of the public who called the police.

The suspect is described as white, aged approximately 47 years old, of medium build with a shaved head and clean-shaven. The man was said to be wearing jeans.

If you can help the investigation telephone 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

n Do you have a message of support for the girl? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk