Wealden Police update. 05/09/11
Date: Tuesday, 5 Sept 2011

I would like to just share the following press release with you for your information. We are at a very early stage of this investigation and I will update you more over the next few days as the investigation progresses.
Detectives in Hailsham are investigating the reported rape of an 18-year old woman in the town.  The woman was walking in playing fields known as the Rec near the Diplocks industrial estate of South Road at about 8.20pm on Sunday 4 September, when she was attacked by a man who pulled her to the ground and committed the assault.  The man then ran off and the woman made her way back to her family home nearby, from where the offence was reported a short while later.  The woman was severely shocked but was not physically injured, and is being interviewed and supported by specially trained police officers.  Nothing was stolen during the attack which lasted several minutes.  The man is described as white, 5''11" to 6''1", in his 40''s, apparently unshaven, wearing a brown leather jacket and a black balaclava. he spoke with a local accent. 

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said; "The young woman was clearly very traumatised and we are making detailed enquiries to establish the full circumstances. We have received no reports of any similar incidents in the area.  "Anyone who was in the area yesterday evening and saw the man or the victim at any stage, is asked to get in touch with us via 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Abanet."
We have increased patrols in the area at this time and will be doing more house to house enquires over the coming days.  I will update you more in due course.

Thanks for your continued support.
Dick Coates, Wealden District Commander.