A serious sexual assault in a Suffolk town has left community leaders calling for police to "step up". 

Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious sexual assault that happened between 3am and 6am on Sunday, October 29, around Parkway and Risbygate Street in Bury St Edmunds, where a woman was assaulted by a male suspect.  

Mayor of Bury St Edmunds Diane Hind said: “A serious sexual assault impacts deep into the heart of a family and is something from which the victim will probably never recover.

“We’ve seen an awful lot of crime more recently and I think the Police and Crime Commissioner has many questions to answer on that as national government does.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore responded and said: “Over the past three years there has been significant investment in the west of the county both in officer numbers and in support of crime prevention measures.

“As a member of Suffolk’s Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Hind has an important role to play in how I hold the Chief to account for an efficient and effective police force and I would encourage her to engage with me directly if she has specific issues that she wishes to discuss.”

Abbeygate councillor Julia Wakelam said: “Last night for the first time ever in 50 years I felt really worried in the town centre because there were so many drunks yelling and being very aggressive.

“There was no sign of police and there hardly ever is. The police need to step up. People are getting nervous and that shouldn’t be happening here.”

A police spokesperson said in response: “Incidents such as this are rare in Bury St Edmunds, which remains a very safe town for people to spend a night out in.

“Our officers are tasked with conducting regular patrols in respect of the night-time economy, both to provide a reassuring presence and to be on hand to deal with any incidents arising.

"This presence is heightened at weekends which is the busiest time.

“Detectives are continuing to investigate the assault in the early hours of Sunday morning and the victim is being supported by specialist trained officers.

"We are continuing to appeal for any potential witnesses that could assist our enquiries to come forward.”