Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was raped on Christmas Eve.

The ordeal happened in Gillingham at around 12.30am last Thursday.

The victim was approached by a man in Grange Road, near the junction with Court Lodge Road, before he attacked her in a nearby alleyway.

A 29-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of the offence later that morning and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Investigating officer PC Devon Larnder-King said: "The victim of this case is receiving the best possible support and we have progressed several lines of inquiry since this was reported to us.

"We believe there was at least one other person in the area shortly before the offence took place.

"It is likely they would have been unaware an offence was about to occur, but they may still have important information that can help us. I therefore encourage them to contact us as soon as possible.

"We are additionally keen to hear from anyone else who believes they have information, or privately held CCTV or dash-cam footage from the surrounding area, that can assist us."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to call police on 01634 792209 quoting 46/225701/20.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or complete the online form.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway