POLICE are investigating the rape of a woman in Wellington town centre in the early hours of Friday (May 22).

The attack happened in Monmouth Gardens, in North Street, at about 2.20 am.

An appeal has been made for anybody with information which might help inquiries to call police on 101 quoting the reference number 5226140164 or to complete the force’s online appeals form.

The woman reported being attacked by an unknown man who punched and raped her.

She described her attacker as male, slim, about 35 to 40 years old, possibly of mixed heritage, who had black hair, with a tattoo on his arm, and who was wearing jeans and a white T-shirt with black writing on it.

Police believe the man fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Golf car.

The woman was taken for treatment in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, and was later discharged to continue her recovery at home.

Scenes of crime officers were checking Monmouth Gardens, in Wellington, after a woman was raped in the early hours of Friday.
Scenes of crime officers were checking Monmouth Gardens, in Wellington, after a woman was raped in the early hours of Friday. (Tindle News)

Officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit, part of Operation Bluestone, which is transforming how police investigate rape and serious sexual offences, were carrying out CCTV inquiries and using ‘numerous police resources’ to progress the investigation and identify the suspect.

Det Insp Wendy Fellowes said: “We understand this incident will have caused concern in the community, but we can assure them a thorough investigation is already underway, and we have lines of inquiry to follow.

“We will maintain contact with the victim, and we have offered her access to any support services she may benefit from.

“Incidents like this are rare in Wellington, but we do not believe the suspect to be local and therefore do not consider there to be an ongoing risk to the public.

Monmouth Gardens, in North Street, Wellington, was cordoned off throughout Friday morning any police investigating a rape.
Monmouth Gardens, in North Street, Wellington, was cordoned off throughout Friday morning by police investigating a rape. (Tindle News)

“However, we would appeal to anybody with information which could assist our investigation to contact us.

“If you have CCTV that captures a white Volkswagen Golf, either moving or stationary, between 1 am and 2.30 am on Waterloo Road, North Street, High Street, Fore Street, Taunton Road, in Wellington this morning, then please contact us.”

Anybody with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its anonymous online form.

Crimestoppers does not take any personal details and information cannot be traced or recorded, and callers will not go to court, nor do they need to speak to police when making a report.