A WOMAN was reportedly raped during a late-night attack in a Dorchester town centre alleyway - leaving a community in shock.

Cordons were initially put in place outside The Royal Oak pub and in South Street Passage after Dorset Police received a report that a woman in her 30s was raped at around 10.30pm on Friday, August 13.

Police said investigations are now underway, with CCTV being trawled.

The cordon at The Royal Oak was soon lifted after examinations were carried out at the scene. A spokesman from Wetherspoon, which runs the venue, confirmed the pub was in no way connected to the incident.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward - as a town councillor revealed how shocked the Dorchester community was.

Dorset Echo: A cordon was put in place outside South Street Passage after Dorset Police received a report that a woman in her 30s was raped at around 10.30pm on Friday, August 13.A cordon was put in place outside South Street Passage after Dorset Police received a report that a woman in her 30s was raped at around 10.30pm on Friday, August 13.

Dorchester councillor Janet Hewitt said: "I am extremely shocked by this and my sympathies are with the lady involved.

"Dorchester has always been a relatively safe place for girls and women. Things like this don't happen here.

"It is terrible for our little town for something so awful to have happened. 

"I hope the police carry out a thorough investigation and find the person responsible quickly so that the people of Dorchester, and the many tourists we have visiting here, can feel safe.

"The whole community is in shock."

An investigation is ongoing as police officers continue to understand the circumstances of the incident.

Detective Inspector Sarah Gillion, of Dorset Police, said: “A full investigation is underway and a number of enquiries are ongoing, including carrying out CCTV trawls of the vicinity.

“Officers are carrying out enquiries with the victim to provide support, ascertain the full details and establish the location of the incident. 

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the town centre around the relevant time to please come forward.

Dorset Echo: A cordon was put in place outside South Street PassageA cordon was put in place outside South Street Passage

“Local officers in the area can be approached by anyone in the community with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210130995. 
Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.