A MAJOR police operation was launched in Ipswich after a naked woman was found in one of the town's busiest streets during the early hours.

A MAJOR police operation was launched in Ipswich after a naked woman was found in one of the town's busiest streets during the early hours.

Police believe the 21-year-old may be the victim of a serious assault which occurred in St Nicholas Street between 12.20am and 2am today.

A 22-year-old man from Ipswich is currently in police custody having been arrested at 4.20am on suspicion of rape. “Police have yet to establish what occurred,” said a police spokeswoman.

“Officers are working with the woman to establish what happened. Investigations are still in the early stages.”

The spokeswoman said the victim may have minor injuries.

Two police officers were at the scene of the alleged incident this morning. The investigation was sparked by a phone call from the ambulance service who were called to the scene just after 2am.

An area outside Keo Bar Bistro was cordoned off, extending the width of the road, near the Cromwell Square public car park.

The area has been sectioned off as a precaution while officers carry out their investigations.

Part of St Nicholas Street, from the junction of Silent Street up to the junction with Friars Street was closed off to traffic with diversions put in place.

Richard Everitt, the owner of Keo Bar Bistro said the bar closed at 11.30pm and he had locked up the premises last night by about midnight.

“It was a quiet night,” he said. “When I first saw the police outside I thought windows had been smashed, it was a real shock this morning, it is awful to think a serious attack happened in the area.”