POLICE investigating a double rape in Ipswich were today trawling through hours of CCTV coverage as they try to piece together what happened in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Paul Geater

POLICE investigating a double rape in Ipswich were today trawling through hours of CCTV coverage as they try to piece together what happened in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The victim had been out with friends on Friday night before they became separated. She accepted a lift home from three strangers in the West End Road/London Road area of the town.

That area has been covered by new mobile CCTV cameras which were installed in the wake of the Steve Wright killings in the town.

The cameras were in place at the weekend, and police have been in to the borough council's offices to collect the images from the weekend.

Police are expected to pay special attention to those from the London Road/West End Road area - but they are examining CCTV tapes from across the town.

A spokeswoman said it was difficult for officers to find out exactly what they should look for because it was still unclear what time the victim was picked up by the car.

The victim was driven to a couple of locations, one of which is believed to be a petrol station, before the car stopped in a secluded unidentified car park where two of the men raped her.

After the ordeal the victim returned home before telling a friend who immediately reported the rape to police at 4am on Saturday.

A police spokeswoman said a team of 14 officers were currently trawling through CCTV footage, taking statements and exploring “forensic opportunities” as part of the investigation.

She added: “We would like to take this opportunity to re-iterate the Nightsafe messages, which are - don't overdo it, friends stick together and get home safe.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Luckett, who is leading the investigation said: “We are working hard with our victim to establish the circumstances that led to this allegation.

“Incidents of this kind are a rare occurrence in Suffolk but I encourage everyone to be aware of their personal safety when out and about. I continue to urge anyone who may have any information which could assist with this enquiry to contact police without delay.”