A manhunt for a second suspect is underway after a 34-year-old man was arrested Tuesday night in connection with the rape of two teenage girls in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Police say the crimes occurred Saturday night in a residential area near the town’s historic South Quay. The victims, aged 15 and 17, were walking home when they were allegedly attacked by two men in a stolen vehicle.
Detectives from Norfolk Constabulary confirmed the arrested man was charged Wednesday morning with two counts of rape under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. He remains in custody at HMP Norwich pending a court hearing scheduled for Friday. Police have released a description of the second suspect as a White man in his mid-20s, approximately 5’10”, with short dark hair and a tattoo on his left forearm.
| Suspect Status | Details |
|---|---|
| In Custody | 34-year-old man charged with two counts of rape; held at HMP Norwich |
| At Large | Second suspect described as White, mid-20s, 5’10”, short dark hair, left forearm tattoo |
Local MP Peter Aldous confirmed he was briefed by police late Tuesday and called the attacks "brutal and unacceptable." "This is a deeply troubling situation for our community," Aldous said. "I urge anyone with information to come forward immediately."
💡 Pro Tip
If you witnessed anything suspicious near South Quay between 10 p.m. and midnight Saturday, contact Norfolk Constabulary’s incident room on 01603 464280. Provide times, descriptions, or vehicle details—no detail is too small.
Witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored Ford Focus, believed to be stolen, speeding away from the scene shortly after the attack. Police have appealed for dashcam footage or security camera recordings from the area. The force has also set up a dedicated incident room and is reviewing CCTV from nearby businesses and residential properties.
Key Points
- ✅ One suspect, 34, charged with two counts of rape; second suspect still at large
- ⚡ Attacks occurred Saturday night near South Quay in Great Yarmouth
- 💡 Police seek dashcam and CCTV footage from the area
The victims were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn for medical examinations and trauma support. Detective Chief Inspector Julie Wvendth, leading the investigation, described the assaults as "extremely serious" and urged the public to assist in locating the second suspect. "We are following multiple lines of enquiry," she stated. "This is a fast-moving investigation, and we need the community’s help."
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 — Number of teenage victims, aged 15 and 17
- 1 — Number of suspects in custody; second suspect still at large
- 1 — Number of vehicles involved (dark-colored Ford Focus, believed stolen)
Friends of the victims told local media the girls were returning from a birthday celebration when the incident occurred. Authorities have requested the media refrain from publishing further details to protect the victims’ identities. Norfolk Constabulary has increased patrols in the South Quay area and is coordinating with British Transport Police due to nearby rail links. A £5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the second suspect’s arrest.
- Friday — Court hearing for the 34-year-old suspect charged with rape
- Ongoing — Police appeal for public assistance in locating the second suspect
- Immediate — Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the incident room
Great Yarmouth, a coastal town known for its historic fishing industry and tourist attractions, is now grappling with the shock of violent crime in a typically quiet area. Local residents described the neighborhood near South Quay as "usually peaceful" and expressed concern over the manhunt’s implications. "This isn’t the Great Yarmouth we know," said a local shop owner who asked not to be named. "We’re scared, and we want this person off our streets."