RAPE suspect Dean Goodwin is also being quizzed on suspicion of attempted murder, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Goodwin is being interviewed by detectives about an assault on a woman in Andover on Monday.

The Echo understands the woman was attacked in the street. Detective inspector Marcus Hester of Dorset Police said: “It was a completely and utterly random attack.”

He said the woman had been badly hurt and that Dorset detectives were liaising with colleagues at the Hampshire Major Crime Team.

“Mr Goodwin is now in custody and also being interviewed on suspicion of attempted murder.”

DI Hester, the officer who has led the hunt for Goodwin, added: “We are very pleased that he is back in custody and we would like to thank the public for all the information they have given us and thank the media, especially the Daily Echo, for all the publicity in the last few days.”

A woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault as she walked through an alleyway in Andover on Monday.

The victim in her 40s, was walking through a covered alleyway which runs through Winton Court in the Heath Vale area of Andover.

She walked past a man who forced her into the garden of a derelict building where she was assaulted.
The woman lost consciousness and suffered bruising and cuts to her face during the incident. She is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

The area of Heath Vale has been cordoned off to allow specialist officers to conduct their enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Murray said: “This was a serious, unprovoked attack on a lone woman. “The victim is conscious in hospital and is being treated for her injuries. She has also been left extremely distressed by what has happened to her.