by Alex Claridge

aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

Police investigating an alleged rape in Canterbury’s Old Park have spoken to a man they believe was involved.

Last week police launched a hunt for man with a Liverpool accent who might be called Dave after a 23-year-old man claimed to have been raped on land next to Forrester Close and Brymore Road on the afternoon of July 5.

It is thought the two men are known to one another.

Lisa Humphrys, spokesman for Kent Police, said: “A man believed to have been involved in the incident has been interviewed by police.

“No arrests have been made and inquiries into the exact circumstances of what did and didn’t happen are ongoing.”

The Old Park is a massive wooded area and has been used as a training ground by soldiers from the Howe Barracks, which it borders. It also has a fishing lake and paths running through it.

Cllr Alan Baldock, the Labour member for Northgate ward, says people living in the housing areas next to the Old Park will be worried to learn that this sort of thing might have happened near their homes.

He said: “I have to say that I’ve never heard anything like this happening at the Old Park before.

“But it’s quite a concern to hear that something like this has happened especially as we’ve got the summer holidays coming up and we will have children playing in the area.

“I just hope the police can resolve it as quickly as possible and settle people down in the area.”

Police insist the assault is not a stranger rape and that there have not been other similar attacks in the Old Park.

Anyone with concerns or information can call Kent Police on 01622 690 690.