DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a teenager in Ipswich today issued a warning to young women on the dangers of accepting lifts from strangers.

Josh Warwick

DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a teenager in Ipswich today issued a warning to young women on the dangers of accepting lifts from strangers.

A major investigation has been launched after the 18-year-old was raped by two men in a secluded car park.

The victim, who has been left deeply traumatised, said the attack took place between midnight and 4am on Saturday morning after she got into a car occupied by three men who spoke broken English.

Today, police urged women to stay together and take care when making their way home from a night out.

A spokesman said: “One of our principal Nightsafe messages is that friends should stick together.

“When friends go out for the evening, they should stay together and make sure they all get home safely.”

Detectives finished their formal interviews with the woman yesterday and are now urging anyone with information to come forward.

The alleged rape occurred after the woman had enjoyed a night out with friends in the town but had separated from them.

She accepted a lift home with the trio, who were in a dark-coloured car, and was driven to two locations, one of which is believed to be a petrol station.

She was then driven to a secluded car park, which she could not identify, 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 spokesman said a team of officers were currently trawling through CCTV and taking statements, while “forensic opportunities” were being explored.

Detective chief inspector Neil Luckett, from Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team, is leading the investigation.

He said: “This investigation is very much still in the early stages.

“I urge anyone who may have any information which could assist with this enquiry to contact police without delay.”

Those who can help police in their enquiries should call the force on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.