Investigation launched after rape at New Forest beauty spot (From Daily Echo)

Ballard Lake in New Milton cordoned off after serious sexual assault allegation

1:36pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

POLICE have launched an investigation after a woman was reported to have been raped at a New Forest beauty spot.

Officers were called to Ballard Lake in New Milton following an allegation of serious sexual assault on a woman on Tuesday night.

The incident was reported to police around 11.50pm on Tuesday night.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said the victim, who is believed to be in her twenties, was not taken to hospital.

Officers were understood to be talking to her this afternoon.

No further information was available from Hampshire Police.

Police were at the scene at around 8am and cordoned off a large area close to a hut used by New Milton Girl Guides.

Nearby residents said they were unaware anything had happened until they saw a police car parked near the lake in the morning.

“There was a bit of police activity early in the morning, then it went quiet” said one resident.

“People have been there feeding the ducks and the geese as normal.”

Ads by Google Another person said there were several police cars and the western end of the lake was cordoned off.

Forensic officers spent time examining the scene on Wednesday afternoon with the police cordon lifted around 11.30am.

The lake and the surrounding park land is described on one website as “an excellent amenity for the residents of New Milton”.

Anyone with information should contact Hampshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.