POLICE are appealing for witnesses after the rape of a 17-year-old woman in Jocelyn Park in Chard last week.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We’re appealing for witnesses after a rape in Chard.

"The incident took place in Jocelyn Park last Friday (February 24) at some time between 3.30pm and 7.45pm.

"A 17-year-old girl was assaulted by a man known to her.

"As a result of our enquiries, a 25-year-old man from the Ilminster area, was charged with common assault and rape and remanded in custody."

DC Catherine King added: “This incident took place in a public place at a time when we are sure there would have been members of the public around.

“We need to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident and could help us with our investigation.

“The victim in this case is receiving support from specially trained officers.”

David Dymond, 25, of Station Road, was charged with two counts of sexual assault by penetration on a girl aged under 13, namely 12, at an address in Ilminster on February 24.

He was also alleged to have raped a woman over the age of 16 on the same date on land at Jocelyn Park in Chard.

Dymond was further charged with two offences of assaulting the same woman by beating her at an address in Ilminster on February 24 and at the Travelodge at Horton Cross on February 23.

The defendant did not enter any pleas to the offences when they were read out before the court in Yeovil.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 and quote crime reference number 5217042229.

RELATED: Ilminster man to stand trial accused of rape and sexually assaulting young girl