Community leaders have spoken of their horror after a woman was sexually assaulted at a bus stop in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Nic El-Safty, who represents Holywells ward on Ipswich Borough Council, urged anyone with information "big or small" to come forward after the victim aged in her 30s, was attacked at the bus stop in Nacton Road near Clapgate Lane at 4am.

She was walking when she was approached by a man and assaulted and is now being helped by specialist officers.

A cordon was in place in Nacton Road following a serious sexual assault on Sunday morning.A cordon was in place in Nacton Road following a serious sexual assault on Sunday morning. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

A cordon was in place during Sunday while officers continued their investigations.

READ MORE: Woman sexually assaulted by man at Ipswich bus stop

Ms El-Safty said: "I am horrified to hear of the incident in my ward and my heart goes out to the victim of this awful crime.

"I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how big or small, to contact Suffolk Police and help bring the attacker to justice.

"Whilst Ipswich is a relatively safe place for women, I would urge anyone walking along at night to remain vigilant and take any safety precautions."

Holywells councillor Nic El-Safty urged women to be vigilant when walking at nightHolywells councillor Nic El-Safty urged women to be vigilant when walking at night (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Cathy Frost said: "It is very sad, it is horrific that it has happened anywhere and again, if anyone knows anything or has any CCTV, to contact the police. Our thoughts are with this victim, it is awful."

She said potential crimes of this nature were something women had to deal with every day and work continued to make the town safer.

She added: "I think as my colleague said, we are always looking at ways to make our places safer - such as with better street lighting for example - but this is something that most women think about a lot of the time."

Officers from Suffolk Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area or captured any doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward.

Detective Inspector Brett Harris said: “We understand the concern this incident will raise but we want to reassure the public that we are investigating all lines of enquiry to ensure we can find those responsible.

A cordon was in place in Nacton Road following a serious sexual assault on Sunday morning.A cordon was in place in Nacton Road following a serious sexual assault on Sunday morning. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

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"A scene is in place and the local community can expect to see an increased police presence in and around the area.

"I would encourage members of the public to approach our officers if they have any concerns. 

“We are appealing to anyone with information to please get in touch with officers.

"In particular, if you were around the area at the time of the incident and saw anything that looked suspicious, unusual or out of place.”

Anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police by calling 101 and quoting 37/65401/24. 

READ MORE: Suffolk news