Man arrested after woman is forced into car and RAPED in Hemel Hempstead

The victim, in her 20s, was walking in Farmhouse Lane at about 07.30am on Tuesday when she was approached by a man, who forced her into a vehicle.

A man from the town was arrested the same evening and a car is undergoing forensic tests.

Detective inspector Philip Moss said: “Our thoughts are very much with the victim, who has suffered a dreadful ordeal.

"She is being fully supported by specially-trained officers and I would like to publicly reassure her that we are doing all we can to investigate what happened.

“We appreciate that news of this incident will come as a shock to the local community but this type of crime is very unusual in Hertfordshire.

"The man is currently being interviewed and we have carried out extensive enquiries to date."

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have seen a man wearing a bright red Puffa jacket.

If you were driving along High Street Green towards Swallowdale Lane at the time and your dash cam was recording, then detectives would be keen to review your footage.

DI Moss added: "We have been made aware of a number of posts on local social media sites speculating about this incident.

"We appreciate that it is going to generate conversation however we would ask that the public keep the victim at the forefront of their minds, as well as be mindful that our enquiries remain ongoing and that online public discussion could potentially be harmful to the investigation.”

If you have any further information about the incident that you believe may be relevant email DI Moss at [email protected], report information online at www.herts.police.uk/report, use online web chat here or call 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.