Shrewsbury man, 23, arrested over sex attack on teenage girl
A 23-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl in Shrewsbury.
The assault, believed to have taken place at Rough Lane, off Ellesmere Road, was reported to police at 8.50am yesterday.
The secluded pathway is popular with dog walkers and is regularly used by children making their way to school. It runs alongside a children's playground known as Ashfield recreation area.
Police forensic teams yesterday examined the lane, which was cordoned off from where it meets Ellesmere Road to steps which go up on to Ashfields Road.
The man was arrested near the location shortly after the assault.
Detective Inspector Teresa McKenna, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This is undoubtedly a concerning incident for the local community.
"At this early stage we are working to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident and I would like to reassure the community that we have taken swift action and an investigation is under way."
An Ashfields Road resident said: "It is a really lovely area. There used to be a bit of a problem with youngsters drinking down there but that's stopped. It is a real shock, you just do not think something like that could happen round here."
The woman also described how the lane is well used by residents, including children making their way to school.
The lane also runs alongside the "Old River Bed", a site of Special Scientific interest and is marked as a public footpath.
Information to police on 101 quoting the incident reference 105 of May 13.
