Boy aged 17 released on bail in rape case

DETECTIVES have been given a further time extension to quiz four suspects arrested after a woman was raped near a school.

Officers were told late on Tuesday night they could continue quizzing two 18-yearold men, a 17-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old boy, after the 19-year-old was raped by a man just before 1am in Turner Road, Buckland, on Sunday.

The four suspects still in custody were arrested on suspicion of rape on Sunday afternoon.

Permission was granted late on Wednesday night to further extend how long police have to question the four teenagers. Two teenagers released

Two other teenagers, both 17, have been released from custody.

One, arrested on Sunday afternoon on suspicion of rape, has now been released on conditional bail.

The other 17-year-old arrested on Monday on the same grounds was released without charge but remains under investigation.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: ‘We were called to Turner Road just before 1am on Sunday after the victim reported that she had been raped by a man shortly beforehand.’

Officers previously said she was followed. He added: ‘The victim is continuing to receive support from specialist officers.’

Detectives previously appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious near Lake Road or Turner Road on Saturday night to come forward. An area near and around Ark Dickens Primary School was taped off and evidence markers laid out on the ground as officers carried out enquiries on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Emma Crute said she wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen ‘two men acting suspiciously or hanging around in the hour before in Lake Road’.

She said: ‘I want to urge anyone who may be able to assist our enquiries to get in contact with us as soon as possible.’

Call 101, quoting 44200364429 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.