A MAN in his 20s has been arrested by police investigating the rape of a woman in Wellington in the early hours of Friday (May 22).

He was arrested at an address in Sussex overnight Friday into Saturday on suspicion of rape, and is being held in police custody, while a car was also seized as part of the investigation.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary Det Insp Wendy Fellowes, from the force’s Operation Bluestone specialist unit which investigates rape and serious sexual offences, said: “I would like to thank members of the public who have been in touch offering CCTV and other footage of the suspect vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf, and other information.

“Please do continue to review any footage you have of Waterloo Road, North Street, High Street, Fore Street, or Taunton Road, between 1 am and 2.30 am on Friday and contact us with any relevant information.”

The woman was attacked at about 2.20 am by an unknown man who punched her before raping her in Monmouth Garden, in North Street, and then fleeing in a car.

She was treated in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, and later released to recover at home with specialist officers continuing to offer her support.

Anybody who may be able to help with inquries into the offence is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5226140164.