A teenager has been charged after a woman was raped in a town centre alley.

Haftom Etebarek appeared in court today following the attack in Ashford.

The victim was approached by a man in the walkway in the early hours of Saturday, July 31, before he raped her.

Eighteen-year-old Etebarek, of Pavilion Road, Folkestone is accused of two counts of rape.

He appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court today where he was remanded in custody.

The case will next be heard at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, September 6.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses to come forward, in particular three men who walked a short distance with the victim afterwards, before she left in a taxi.

Investigating officer DS Sam Culpin previously said: "It is really important that the three men who spoke to the victim come forward as their information could be vital to the investigation.

"They may not have known what had happened to her."

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/141365/21.

You can also contact Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or by filling in the online report form

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford