Woman in her 20s ‘raped in ancient churchyard’, sparking police probe

A MAN has been arrested after a woman in her 20s claimed she was raped in an ancient churchyard in Berkshire.

Detectives were called to Reading Minster in the centre of Reading after the victim raised the alarm following the rape which happened at about 3.30am this morning.

Police have confirmed that a 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape.

The man, from Nottingham, was arrested by Thames Valley Police and remains in custody.

It was not thought that the accused man and the rape victim were known to each other.

The church and graveyard were then sealed off by police this morning allowing officers to investigate the scene.

Shoppers watched in disbelief as forensic science experts wearing white boiler suits searched around and on top of headstones at the ancient church.

They also climbed several of the church's parapets, searching for clues that might have been thrown to a height.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said that as a result of inquiries a 22-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of rape.

"Officers are investigating a rape that happened at around 3.35am today near Reading Minister," the spokesman said.

“A 22-year-old man from Nottingham has been arrested on suspicion of rape and is currently in police custody.

"A scene watch that was in place earlier has now been lifted."

Police are now asking anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or by making a report online.

"There will also be an increased presence of officers in the local area so please feel free to approach and speak to them if you have any concerns," the spokesman said.