A COMMUNITY is in a state of shock after a teenage girl was raped in the grounds of a village chapel.Police are hunting the fiend responsible for the attack in broad daylight in Cotton, near Stowmarket, on Monday.

By John Howard

A COMMUNITY is in a state of shock after a teenage girl was raped in the grounds of a village chapel.

Police are hunting the fiend responsible for the attack in broad daylight in Cotton, near Stowmarket, on Monday.

Officers believe the girl was grabbed by the wrist and led into the grounds of the chapel in Broad Road, where she was pushed against a wall and raped.

The senior officer leading the hunt, Detective Inspector Mike Bacon, said the girl had been left traumatised by the brutal attack.

The incident has stunned residents and the Rev Robin Jack, the village's rector, said people's thoughts were with the girl and her family.

He said: "People will react with absolute horror, to think this happened in broad daylight for goodness' sake."

Andrew Stringer, who has lived in the village since childhood and represents the community as its district councillor, said: "This is absolutely devastating.

"That this should happen at a place of worship, this is absolutely appalling. I hope they find the perpetrator very quickly. The chapel is used for prayer and meetings by the Methodists and the community will be absolutely shocked.

"Usually crime in Cotton is virtually zero, it's been one of the safest places in the country and this is a devastating blow for the community."

Mike Nunn, Suffolk police spokesman, said: "Police are appealing for information following the rape of a teenage girl in Cotton on Monday.

"At approximately 4.20pm the girl was walking along Broad Road when she spotted a car in the driveway of the chapel on the opposite side of the road.

"She then crossed the road and a man got out of the vehicle, grabbed her by the wrist and led her into the grounds of the chapel.

"He pushed her against a wall at the rear of the grounds and raped her before walking back to his car and speeding off towards Newton.''

Det Insp Bacon said: "Fortunately the girl was not seriously injured during the incident but has been left extremely upset and traumatised.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has information relating to this offence. Perhaps you were in the area between 3pm and 5pm and witnessed a man acting suspiciously or the blue vehicle parked near the chapel.

"Please contact us as a matter of priority if you have any information to assist us with our enquiries."

The offender is described as white, between 30 and 35-years-old, 6ft tall, blonde spiked hair, bushy eyebrows, large nose, buck teeth, slim build but with broad shoulders. He was wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.

The offenders' car is described as being a large blue vehicle.

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