DETECTIVES are still desperate to speak to people who may have information about a serious sexual assault on an 18-year-old woman in Ashford.

The appeal, from Det Sgt Rachel Ireland, comes after a third man was released on bail on Monday evening pending further enquiries.

Police have made three arrests in connection with the attack in a park between the Liquid and Life nightclub in East Hill and the Civic Centre in Tannery Lane, either late Thursday or the early hours of Friday. All three men are now on police bail.

The area where the attack took place was closed to the public throughout Friday, and part of Saturday, while police combed it for evidence.

The first man to be arrested voluntarily attended Ashford police station on Saturday. He was released on bail on Sunday. The two other men were arrested on Sunday afternoon.

Det Sgt Ireland, the detective leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone with information about this incident. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who walked the footpath from the Stour Centre to Liquid and Life sometime between 11.45pm on the Thursday to 1.30am on the Friday.

“It is very important that we get as much information as we can about the incident, especially during that period of time.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the police incident room on 01233 619160 or the Crimestoppers hotline is 0800 555111.