DETECTIVES are urging residents to take extra care at night and have launched a fresh appeal for information after a woman was assaulted in Little Stonham on Wednesday night.

John Howard

DETECTIVES are urging residents to take extra care at night and have launched a fresh appeal for information after a woman was assaulted in Little Stonham on Wednesday night .

The 21-year-old woman was walking along the A140 at about 10.50pm when she was pushed from behind by a man into the car park of the Baptist chapel.

The man then pushed her against a wall, causing minor facial injuries. However, she managed to struggle free of her attacker, who then fled the scene, running out of the car park and along the A140 towards Ipswich.

A team of six officers are today continuing their enquiries into the incident and the offender is described as male, of stocky build, 5ft 8ins tall, with dark hair and wearing dark clothing.

Detective Inspector David Rutterford, who is overseeing the enquiry, said: “I would urge anyone with information about this assault to come forward.

“I am particularly appealing for information from motorists who used the A140 on Wednesday night. The road is busy and there would have been traffic around at that time of night.

“If anyone saw a lone female walking along the road at around the time of the incident - or a man fleeing the scene they should call us.”

“This was an extremely frightening incident for the victim. Fortunately, assaults of this nature are rare in Suffolk.

“But I would urge people to consider their personal safety at night by taking simple precautions such as avoiding unlit areas and, where possible, walking in groups rather than alone.”

N Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Constabulary on 01473 613500.