A community leader has spoken about the shock his town is feeling after a woman was sexually assaulted at the weekend.
The alleged incident took place on Ipswich Road in Stowmarket at about 1.15am on Sunday.
The victim had been walking away from Stowmarket town centre towards Combs Ford through Lockington Road when she was accosted by an unknown male in Ipswich Road, where the suspect reportedly sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene.
Nick Gowrley, the mayor of Stowmarket Town Council, has since expressed his shock at the incident coming to light.
He said: "It is quite a shocking thing to hear about and it is quite distressing for the person involved, and obviously are thoughts are with them."
Mr Gowrley said incidents like this are "very rare" in Stowmarket.
He added: "This is why it is so shocking to hear about.
"It is not something you expect to hear about in Stowmarket."
A spokesman for Suffolk police said inquiries into the incident were ongoing and officers were currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.
Officers are conducting patrols in the area and anyone with any concerns are encouraged to speak to them.
Police investigating the attack are particularly keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the incident or who was in the location at the time and saw or heard anything suspicious.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or knows something which could assist the investigation should contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/32090/23.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here