A SUSPECTED rapist has been arrested after an incident in Warrington town centre.

An 18-year-old man from Widnes was arrested on suspicion of rape on Friday, December 28, following a serious sexual assault in the area between St Austin’s Lane and Stanley Street in the early hours of the previous day.

A 19-year-old woman reported that she had been raped at around 3am on Thursday, December 27.

The arrested teenager was identified after a CCTV appeal by Cheshire Police, and has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries into the incident.

Detective sergeant Paul Nolan earlier said: “I would like to reassure residents that we believe this to be an isolated incident.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 279589, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.