Man arrested in sexual assault investigation in Stowmarket

A man has been arrested following a serious sexual assault in Stowmarket on Wednesday 19 November.

A woman aged in her 30s reported that she was out running along a pathway off Iliffe Way between 5.45am and 6am when she was approached, pulled to the ground and sexually assaulted by an unknown man.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on Sunday 23 November, on suspicion of attempted rape and sexual assault.

He was taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he currently remains.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Adams said: “It’s still very early in our investigation and we continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with any information to contact us.

“Residents and visitors will have seen an increased police presence in the area over the past few days while the investigation has been taking place and reassurance patrols have been carried out.

“Officers will continue to patrol the area. Anyone with any information or concerns are encouraged to speak to officers on patrol or contact 101.

“The victim continues to be supported by specialist officers.”

The suspect was described as male, white, approximately 5ft 10ins in height, of medium build and was wearing a dark woolly beanie hat. He also wore a thick, dark rain jacket and dark trousers, and is reported to have smelled strongly of cigarettes and cannabis.

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/65640/25, via -

Website – Provide more information about an appeal | Suffolk Constabulary

Phone – Call 101

Crimestoppers – Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form - Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault or rape, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police. 

For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit our support pages: How to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

In an emergency, call 999.