LYDNEY has been left shocked after reports a woman was raped near Lydney boating lake.
The victim told police she was followed by a man in dark clothing before he launched the sexual assault on a waterside path.
CCTV and forensics are being examined and the woman is being supported said officers. Detective Constable Rob Harrison said: "We don't wish to alarm people but we would urge everyone to consider their personal safety when on a night out. Our advice, as ever, is always to choose well-lit routes and avoid alleyways and shortcuts, be aware of your surroundings and do not engage in conversations with strangers."
It occurred near the boating lake at around 11pm on Saturday. The victim said she had walked past Lydney church when she became aware of someone behind her. She then walked across the church car park, over the train track, under a footbridge and down to the lakeside park, where it is believed she was attacked.
Police hope anglers in the area at the time taking part in a competition can help.
Councillor Brian Thomas, deputy mayor for Lydney, said: "All I can say is this is the first I have heard of it and it is a very rare day – I am shocked and surprised. People need to be careful and to be aware of what is around them."
A second woman was allegedly assaulted in the town the same day and police have not ruled out a connection. A white man, in his late 30s to early 40s, 5ft 10ins to 5ft 11ins tall, with dark hair and a beer belly, appeared from undergrowth and grabbed a woman's dress as she walked towards the A48 at around 1pm. The woman's dress was torn but the man made off when disturbed by a green vehicle, believed to be an old style Ford Fiesta, that stopped.
Detective Sergeant Mark Stenhouse said: "We do not know at this stage whether there is any link between this and the serious sexual assault at the boating lake that evening but we know these two cases will concern local residents."
Police tape cordoned off the alleged rape scene, sparking rumours of a stabbing.
Alan Preest, chairman of the Lydney Recreation Trust, which maintains the boating lake, said: "Lydney is a growing town but incidents such as this are very, very few and far between and I just hope the police catch the perpetrator and they are brought to justice."
Witnesses or those with information should call 101, quoting incident 589 of July 26.
