A dog walker may be key to helping police investigating reports a woman was raped while she slept in a tent.

Detectives are looking into the case, which happened in woods in Ramsgate.

Police say the walker might have witnessed the incident and have important information about the case.

A spokesman said new information has come to light after the incident in woodland near Dumpton Park Drive on the evening of Monday, June 17 and urged them to contact officers to help with the inquiry.

The woman, in her 30s, told police she was sleeping in a tent in the park when she was approached by a black man who was described as having short hair.

The suspect was wearing a dark coloured tracksuit top and grey jogging bottoms. He also had a dog with him.

Det Insp Richard Palmer said: "This has been an extremely upsetting time for the victim and understandably a very complex investigation.

"As part of our continuing enquiries we now have reason to believe there may be a key witness who was walking their dog at the time the rape took place.

"This has been an extremely upsetting time for the victim and understandably a very complex investigation" - Det Insp Richard Palmer

"Whilst we appreciate some time has passed, we would urge anyone who walks their dog in this wood and can remember being there on that evening to call us with details of anything out of the ordinary.

"Any detail, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could play a big part in finding the person responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/117035/19, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111 or by completing an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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