Horror as woman 'dragged into woods and raped' in popular seaside town

A man has been arrested following the alleged rape of woman who was dragged into a wooded area of a popular UK seaside town on Bonfire Night. The 24-year-old suspect is currently being questioned about the rape of woman in her 30s in Bournemouth and remains in police custody.

Dorset Police said they were called at around 9.18pm on November 5 after receiving a report that a woman in her 30s had been raped in a wooded area near Maxwell Road in Bournemouth. According to police, the woman had earlier met with someone she knew in Charminster before being approached by an unknown man. Following a "brief interaction" she and the man walked together to Maxwell Road, where the alleged assault took place.

Specialist officers are providing support to the victim. The force has deployed extra patrols in the area and is continuing to appeal to anyone with information to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, says that police are appealing to anyone with information over the incident or with CCTV footage from the area to get in touch.

"Specialist officers are providing support to the victim and we are keeping her updated throughout our enquiries," he said. "We have now made an arrest and continue to investigate what happened. I would like to appeal to anyone who may have information or who may have captured relevant CCTV footage from the area to please get in touch.

"We understand that reports of this nature will undoubtedly cause concern for the wider community, but we would like to remind you that local officers are carrying out patrols in the area and can be approached by anyone who has concerns or would like to pass on information."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250163716. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.