Shock and anger in Stowmarket after woman raped by station

The victim, aged in her 20s, was approached by a man at the station before being dragged to the Gipping Valley river path and attacked.

Police said the incident happened in the late afternoon or early evening of Sunday.

A police cordon remained in place on Monday and Tuesday at the scene and extra patrols are taking place across the town.

Ollie Walters, Mid Suffolk district councillor for St Peter’s Ward in Stowmarket, said: “I was utterly shocked to learn of the dreadful incident that occurred on the river path on Sunday.

"As a council and councillors, we are doing everything we can to reduce crime across the district by working with all agencies.

“I am sickened to hear of crimes such as this, wherever or whenever it happens, but when it’s on your own doorstep it makes me more determined than ever to make improvements to our town.

"Obviously, the investigation is in the hands of the police, and we will do everything we can to help catch the perpetrator.”

No arrests have yet been made in connection to the case, but police say they are committed to finding the suspect.

Chief Inspector Andy Pursehouse, speaking to this newspaper, said: “Our specialist officers are supporting the victim. We’ve been getting as many details from her as we can and collecting CCTV from the area.

Chief Inspector Andy Pursehouse (Image: Newsquest)

"We’re appealing for as many people as possible who were out in Stowmarket on Sunday afternoon to come forward.

“Fortunately this kind of offence is quite rare but people are understandably shocked. We have extra patrols across Stowmarket and will do for the foreseeable future. If you are worried about your safety, speak to an officer or make contact. Personal safety information can be found on our website. We are always happy to speak to people.”

The incident has sparked anger across the Stowmarket community.

Suffolk Rape Crisis is a charity supporting more than 300 women and girls affected by sexual violence each year.

Sarah Brennan, interim chief executive, said: “Once again a young woman’s life is changed forever by aggression of a man.

"Suffolk Rape Crisis sees women every day whose lives are ruined through sexual abuse. It is a sad situation that in Suffolk we are seeing the highest recorded numbers of sexual offences per 1,000 households, but the lowest solved rate compared to similar forces. I

"In 2020-21 less that 2 in 100 (1.1%) cases concluded with a suspect being charge or summoned. These figures are unacceptable especially when the vital services providing help such as Suffolk Rape Crisis are battling to keep going.

“Recovering from the experience of any kind of sexual violence or abuse can take years and affects all parts of a woman’s life including physical and mental health.

"It is difficult to trust people again, to feel safe going out or regain your self-confidence. We must resource help for women and girls, but we must do more to prevent this ever happening too.”