An 18-year-old is in custody this afternoon after a woman was raped in a town centre alleyway.

The victim was approached by a man in the walkway in Ashford High Street and it is alleged he then raped her.

Police investigating the attack are appealing for three men who came to the woman's assistance after the incident in the early hours of Saturday, July 31, to come forward.

It is understood the three men walked with her a short distance before she left in a taxi.

The woman reported the incident to Kent Police on Thursday and today officers arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of rape. He remains in custody.

Investigating officer DS Sam Culpin said: "We are following several lines of enquiry into this incident and it is really important that the three men who spoke to the victim come forward as their information could be vital to the investigation.

"They may not have known what had happened to her."

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/141365/21

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