A 54-YEAR-OLD arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in a Chester city centre alleyway has been released on bail.

The man, from Folkestone, was also held on suspicion of possessing a knife in a public place.

Cheshire Police confirmed on Wednesday morning (January 2) that he has now been released on conditional bail "pending further enquiries".

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward following an incident that took place in the early hours of Sunday, December 30.

The alleged victim, a 23-year-old woman from Chester, was in the city centre on a night out with friends.

It is said that at around 5.30am the woman, who had briefly lost her group of her friends, was subjected to a serious sexual assault in an alleyway off Northgate Street, near to the Dublin Packet pub.

Detective Sergeant Paul Nolan, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “The victim is traumatised following her ordeal and is currently being supported by specialist officers.

“I urge anyone who has any information which may assist with our enquiries to come forward.

“We want to speak to anyone who believes they may have witnessed something that is relevant to our investigation.

“We are particularly keen to speak to a number of men who were seen in the vicinity of the Dublin Packet pub on Northgate Street around the time of the incident and may have witnessed what took place.”

Inspector Brian Green, from Chester Local Policing Unit, said: “I would like to reassure the local community that incidents such as this are rare and we are doing all that we can to establish exactly what has taken place.

“We would always urge people to follow basic safety advice when out and about – remain vigilant when walking alone, especially at night, maintain an awareness of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit areas. If you see anyone acting suspiciously or have any concerns then contact police immediately.”

* Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other information that may help detectives with their investigation is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 282056, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.