A TEENAGE girl has been raped in woodland in Colchester.

Police were called to the woods off Clairmont Road, on Sunday afternoon.

A 16-year-old girl reported she had been attacked.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers are aware a number of people were walking their dogs while others were playing football at Lexden King George Field between 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

"Detectives are keen to speak to these people in order to find out if they saw the assault or heard anything which could assist with the investigation."

A 16-year-old boy from the Sudbury area was arrested a few hours after the attack and a short distance away on suspicion of rape.

He is currently on police bail until Monday, March 24 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information in connection with this rape is urged to contact detectives at Colchester’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or email the incident room SOIT@essex.pnn.police.uk