A man has been arrested after a woman reported being raped close to St Albans Court House and Civic Centre.

The alleged incident occurred near the car park in Civic Close, sometime between 1.30am and 2.15am on Saturday (August 7).

The woman, who is aged in her 20s, says she was was sexually assaulted by a man she had met earlier that evening.

Detective Sergeant Georgina Fenge, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s sexual offences investigation team, said: “This was an extremely frightening and upsetting ordeal for the victim who is being supported by specially trained officers at this time.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we are appealing for anyone with information which may assist us to please get in touch straightaway.”

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should email georgina.fenge@herts.police.uk or can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/60494/21.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Herts SARC offers practical and emotional support to anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual assault. Their services are free and independent, meaning you do not have to have contacted police in order to access them. Visit http://www.hertssarc.org/

Details of how you can report sexual assault are available at www.herts.police.uk/Information-and-services/Advice/Rape-and-sexual-assault/Reporting-sexual-assault