A MAN has been arrested following reports that a woman was raped near Christchurch.

The incident was reported to have occurred in a wooded area near to Hinton Admiral Train Station at around 4pm on Monday.

The victim – a local woman aged in her 20s – reports that she was sexually assaulted by a man near to a makeshift shelter in the woods to the south of the train line off Station Road.

It is understood that they were known to each other.

A 30-year-old man from the New Milton area was arrested on suspicion of rape and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Leo Glendon, of Bournemouth CID, said: "Our specially-trained officers are supporting the victim following the report to police."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and saw anything suspicious to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55170126069.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.