Three teenagers from Ashford arrested on suspicion of raping a woman on a beach have been released on bail.

The trio were taken into custody after a police helicopter search following the incident on Saturday evening.

The woman, in her late teens, reported being attacked on Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone at about 8pm.

It is believed those arrested and the victim are known to each other, police said.

Police rushed to the scene and used a helicopter to help find one of the suspects.

They were arrested and questioned.

The 18-year-old man has now been bailed until Thursday, February 16, and the two 16-year-old boys were bailed until Wednesday, January 18.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/37152/16, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.