A RAPIST has been warned he will be caught after a woman was attacked in the early hours of yesterday morning. 

Detectives launched an appeal for information yesterday after the incident, which took place in the historic graveyard next to Colchester Arts Centre

The victim had been on a night out with her friends and was last night being supported by specially-trained officers from Essex Police.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for public safety, said: "This is just an outrageous event and I feel very sorry for the woman and her family.

“This person [the perpetrator] is somebody’s son, brother or friend and someone will know if they have been out for no reason and I would urge those people who know anything to come forward.”

He added: “This a horrendous, horrible crime and I can’t imagine the damage this person has caused.”

Mr Lilley also spoke directly to the perpetrator, saying: “There is CCTV everywhere in the town centre.

“Your face will be there and all it takes is for somebody to find it.

“You will be caught. I would urge you to come forward and hand yourself in.”

Mr Lilley also called for revellers to remain safe after nights out in town.

He added: “Unfortunately we just cannot stop individuals who go out to commit crimes but what we can do is urge people to be as safe as possible on nights out.

“I would say, stay together and always get a taxi home from where you are.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact DI Nikki Simpson on 101 quoting incident 85 of 27/03 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are also encouraging anyone who was simply in the area at the time to get in touch.