A woman was sexually assaulted after a stranger entered a house in Lowestoft late last night.

The incident occurred shortly before 11.50pm yesterday, June 28, when the man entered a property in the vicinity of Yarmouth Road.

When disturbed the man left and was seen heading in the direction of Hollingsworth Road.

A male was also spotted looking in a window of another property in the same road at around 11pm.

An extensive search was carried out by officers and investigations are currently ongoing.

The victim is being supported by specialist trained officers as detectives have been undertaking initial enquiries into the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Barry Byford said: 'Despite the warm weather, we would like to remind residents to make sure windows and doors are locked during the night.

'We would also advise residents to move garden furniture, benches and bins away from their properties as criminals can often use these to gain access.

'We appreciate this incident may have caused some concern in the local community but we can reassure residents that there will be increased police patrols in the area. We are treating this investigation as a priority and conducting a number of lines of enquiry. These include studying CCTV footage, conducting forensic investigations and holding house to house enquiries with residents.'

Kayleigh Chipperfield, who has lived in the area for the last four years, said: 'It makes you feel sick how people can be like that.

'It's horrible, it's something you don't want happening, it doesn't make you feel safe.'

She added: 'You hear about this sort of thing happening but I would never have thought it would happen around here.'

The attack has prompted many residents to rethink their current safety provisions.

Chris Martin who lives nearby said: 'We have been living around here for 10 years and have always left our doors and windows open.

'I've got two daughters at home - I think I've got too relaxed.

'It's just terrible to hear, it's disgusting.'

Anyone with information about this attack or anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, is asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference 35765/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.