A MAN has been arrested by detectives investigating a reported rape in Wimborne.

Police received a report a woman aged in her 50s was raped by a man in Poole Road sometime around 11.30pm on Saturday, June 25.

An investigation into the incident was launched by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

Following enquiries, a 32-year-old Poole man has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

He has been released on bail.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward including a man who stopped to talk to the victim and a group of six female pedestrians.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of MCIT, said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and I would like to again appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward.

"I particularly would like to hear from a man driving a flatbed lorry carrying vehicles who stopped to talk to the victim at around 11.15pm. Also, I am appealing for a group of six female pedestrians who were walking along Poole Road toward Merley at about 11.30pm to get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists with dashcam who were in the vicinity, as well as residents with home CCTV systems or doorbell cameras, to please check their footage from the night for anything that might assist our enquiries.

“There continues to be an increased police presence in the area and officers can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220101902. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

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