MORE than 150 people have been stopped and questioned by police hunting a man who raped a 16-year-old girl on a towpath.The girl, from Stowmarket, had left Excel nightclub in the town when the incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, July 25.

MORE than 150 people have been stopped and questioned by police hunting a man who raped a 16-year-old girl on a towpath.

The girl, from Stowmarket, had left Excel nightclub in the town when the incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, July 25.

At the weekend, police spoke to dozens of revellers in the area in a bid to help find the man responsible for the attack a week earlier.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mike Blaney, of Suffolk police, said: "In general, we had a very positive response from the public who have been able to provide us with some useful information.

"Management and staff at the club have been extremely supportive and have been assisting us with our enquiries.

"We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the area on the evening of Saturday, July 24, or early on July 25. If you were, please contact us as a matter of priority. This is particularly the case if you recognise the description of the offender."

The 16-year-old victim had met her attacker in the club, and when she decided to leave at around 3am, he accompanied her. But he then raped her on the towpath at the rear of the club.

The one-week anniversary checks were carried out between 10pm and midnight on Saturday.

The offender is described as white, about 6ft tall, in his early 20s, of slim build, with short dark hair and had a trimmed goatee beard which ran to his hairline. He was wearing a multicoloured checked shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stowmarket CID on 01284 774100 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.