Rape may be linked to another attack

Police have gathered forensic evidence at Grendon Lakes

The abduction and rape of a 20-year-old woman from Northampton may be linked to a similar attack a year ago, police say.

The woman was walking along Arundel Street in the town between 0630 BST and 0730 BST on Friday morning when she was bundled into the back of a white van.

She was driven out of Northampton to Grendon Lakes where she was held prisoner for five hours, raped and abandoned.

Detectives say there could be a link with a similar unsolved attack on a prostitute just over a year ago.

They say the victim is a known sex worker and believe her attacker had local knowledge as he chose an isolated and secluded spot.

Her attacker is described as white with short, brown, mousey hair and was wearing at-shirt and jeans or blue tracksuit trousers and heavy work boots.

Appeal for witnesses

Police have called this an "horrendous incident" and believe there would have been witnesses despite the abduction taking place in the early morning.

Detective Inspector Neil McMahon said: "There would have been people in the vicinity.

"The area itself is not a particularly high residential area. There are commercial premises there, most of which were shut at the time.

"But nevertheless, I think there will be people who can come forward."

There are 25 officers involved in the investigation.