WOMEN feel unsafe to go out on their own at night in Dorchester after a rape was reported in a town centre alleyway, a councillor has said.

Police confirmed no arrests have been made in connection with the reported attack on Friday, August 13, which has left the community in shock.

Janet Hewitt, who is a town councillor for Dorchester's west ward, said women as young as 18 had told her they now did not want to go out by themselves at night.

Cordons were put in place at South Street Passage after Dorset Police received a report that a woman in her 30s was raped. A cordon was also initially put outside The Royal Oak, but bosses soon confirmed the pub was in no way involved.

Dorset Echo: A cordon was put in place outside South Street PassageA cordon was put in place outside South Street Passage

Ms Hewitt said: "The community remains in shock. It's usually a safe place, but this situation has made people worry.

"My friend's daughters as young as 18 years old have told me they feel they can't go out alone and that they will only do so in a group.

"I've spoken to concerned parents too, who are asking their daughters to stay in groups if they're going out drinking at pubs and bars."

Police said a full investigation is under way, with CCTV being trawled, but have asked anyone who may have information to come forward.

"It's not fair that these young women should feel unsafe but men can go about their daily business with no fear," said Ms Hewitt.

"My advice would be for women to remain feeling safe - so they should stay away from dark alleyways at dark if they're alone.

"I do hope the police can make an arrest regarding this shocking incident and put people's minds at ease.

"Women don't want to be in fear of walking the streets by themselves."

Dorset Echo: A cordon was put in place outside South Street Passage after Dorset Police received a report that a woman in her 30s was raped at around 10.30pm on Friday, August 13.A cordon was put in place outside South Street Passage after Dorset Police received a report that a woman in her 30s was raped at around 10.30pm on Friday, August 13.

A spokeswoman from Dorset Police said no arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Sarah Gillion, of Dorset Police, said: “A full investigation is underway and a number of enquiries are ongoing, including carrying out CCTV trawls of the vicinity.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the town centre around the relevant time to please come forward.

“Local officers in the area can be approached by anyone in the community with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210130995.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.