The hunt for a suspect is continuing after a woman was raped in a car in Lowestoft.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, December 9, after the victim, aged in her 30s, was walking along Oulton Road at around 4am and accepted a lift from a man driving what she describes as a small light or silver coloured car.

Some time between 4.15am and 4.55am, the suspect stopped the car in Kimberley Road and raped the victim in the vehicle.

The suspect is described as being Asian, aged between 30 and 40, short and of slight build.

A police spokesman said: 'We are continuing to work with the victim and trawling through hours of CCTV footage to find more information.'

The victim is being supported by specialist trained officers as enquiries continue.

Detective Superintendent Marina Ericson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: 'This was a despicable attack and the victim has shown great courage by working with our detectives and helping them piece together the sequence of events.

'I am appealing to anyone who was in Kimberley Road, or any of the roads along the route described below, between 4am and 4.55am on Saturday morning and who saw a car matching the description as provided to come forward.

'We would like to hear from anyone else who may have been offered a lift in similar circumstances recently by a man matching this description, as he indicated to the victim that it was something he has done before.

'The suspect presented himself as genuine and the victim accepted a lift in good faith. However, I would warn anyone against getting into a vehicle with a stranger, or from walking alone at night. Always plan your journey home by walking in groups, making arrangements to get a lift with a friend, or using a taxi.'

The route the car travelled along is believed to have included the following roads: Oulton Road, Church Road, Boston Road, St Peters Street (A1144), Bascule Bridge, Belvedere Road, Horn Hill, Waveney Drive, Durban Road, and Kimberley Road.

Detectives are also appealing to the driver of a blue or green coloured Ford Fiesta which had broken down in Kimberley Road at around 5.30am to come forward. He was given assistance by a local resident to get the car started and may have vital information to assist the investigation.

Anyone who has information or witnessed anything suspicious in the area during the relevant times is asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference 78398/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.