Why it matters: Police are investigating all lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 28 January.
The details: At approximately 3:15am, a woman aged in her 20s was walking along Tavern Street when she reported being approached by a man who sexually assaulted her in an alleyway off Dial Lane, near St Lawrence Church. She is being assisted by specialist officers.
A scene remains in place and the local community can expect to see an increased police presence in and around the area.
What they're saying: Detective Inspector Benjamin Rushmere said: "We understand the concern this incident will raise but we want to reassure the public that we are investigating all lines of enquiry to ensure we can find those responsible.
"A scene is in place and the local community can expect to see an increased police presence in and around the area. I would encourage members of the public to approach our officers if they have any concerns.
"We are appealing to anyone with information to please get in touch with officers. In particular, if you were around the area at the time of the incident and saw anything that looked suspicious, unusual or out of place."
What you can do: Officers are keen on identifying anyone who was in the area around that time, including anyone who may have relevant doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV footage from around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police quoting 37/5371/26 via the Suffolk police website at www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us, by calling 101, or by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Support available: If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, Suffolk police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police. For more information and to find support services available, visit the Suffolk Constabulary support pages. Always call 999 in an emergency.
The bottom line: Police are actively investigating this serious incident and need the public's help to identify anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Tavern Street area during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
