Police have launched an urgent manhunt after two teenage girls were allegedly raped on a beach in a popular UK seaside town. Officers were called to South Beach Parade in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, at 12.37am on Saturday (May 16) following reports that two girls had been raped.

Police attended the scene and a cordon, which has since been lifted, was put in place whilst they carried out enquiries. A man aged in his 30s was arrested in Northamptonshire yesterday (May 17) on suspicion of rape and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he remains.

A second suspect currently remains at large and police have said "significant efforts" are underway to identify and locate him.

He is described as a white man with short dark hair, dark facial hair and aged in his 30s or 40s. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark green jacket with a white stripe on both sleeves.

Chief Inspector Nick Paling, district commander for Great Yarmouth, said: “We recognise how shocking and distressing these incidents are for the victims, their families, and the wider community.

"Specialist officers have been deployed to support both girls as we work through this investigation.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area, with officers carrying out reassurance patrols. Please do approach them if you have any concerns or information.”

Michael Jeal, borough councillor of Nelson Ward, had not heard about the incident, but said: "Whoever it was, I hope they catch them. I hope they get the heaviest sentence possible."

Officer would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any relevant information to aid this investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch, quoting crime reference 36/34665/26. They can also get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers.