Kentish Express Ashford & District
Three teenagers arrested after beach rape claim
Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of raping a woman on Folkestone’s Sunny Sands beach at the weekend have been released on bail.
The trio, all from Ashford, were taken into custody after a police helicopter search on Saturday evening.
The woman, who is in her late teens, reported being attacked at about 8pm.
Police this week renewed their appeal for any possible witnesses, with detectives asking for the public’s help in their investigation.
Those arrested and the victim are known to each other, police have revealed.
Officers rushed to the scene and used a helicopter to help find one of the suspects.
People on social media in Folkestone that night commented on a large police presence in the town’s Kingsnorth Gardens and officers have since explained that one suspect was detained near to that area.
He was arrested and questioned but no charges have been issued.
An 18-year-old man has now been bailed until Thursday, February 16, and two 16-year-old boys were bailed until Wednesday, January 18.
A police spokesman said the three had been arrested and taken into custody before they were bailed on Monday.
Witnesses are asked to call police on 01843 222289, quot- ing reference ZY/37152/16, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.