Police reassure public after Ballard Lake rape claim (From Bournemouth Echo)

Police reassure public after Ballard Lake rape claim

8:30am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News

A POLICE chief has reassured anxious residents in New Milton following a suspected rape at a New Forest beauty spot.

Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd stressed that no-one else is being sought in connection with the reported sex attack at Ballard Lake on Tuesday night.

A 15-year-old youth has been arrested and released on bail until April 29 while inquiries continue.

A local woman, in her 20s, who is believed to have met the suspect at the town’s railway station between 10 pm and 11.30 pm, has been interviewed.

She did not need medical treatment.

DI Hurd added: “We have officers speaking to potential witnesses and are continuing to follow up inquiries in relation to the attack.

“We believe this was an isolated incident and I’d like to reassure people. Following the arrest we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this inquiry.”