Norfolk Police responded to reports at 12.37am on Saturday 16 May 2026 after two teenage girls were allegedly raped on dunes behind a Premier Inn; a man was arrested the next day and officers are searching for a second suspect
The Norfolk Police have opened a major investigation after reports that two teenage girls were raped on sand dunes behind a Premier Inn in Great Yarmouth. Officers say they were called at 12.37am on Saturday 16 May 2026 to the stretch of coastline known as South Beach Parade.
The location sits between the foreshore and the rear of the budget hotel, and an initial cordon covered roughly a 100 yard section of dune while detectives carried out enquiries. Specialist officers have been assigned to support the victims and the force has described the incidents as deeply distressing for the families and the wider community.
The scene is close to local attractions including Pleasure Beach and Wellington Pier and is overlooked by the Premier Inn, which has 81 bedrooms. The dunes in question are vegetated with marram grass, and nearby there are tents occupied by people experiencing homelessness.
Community members reported seeing a significant police presence during the early hours, with vehicles parked in the hotel car park and side roads leading to the beach. A man in his 30s was arrested in Northamptonshire the following day and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning; he remains in custody.
What investigators have confirmed
Police have described the incidents as two separate sexual assaults involving teenage female victims. The force has stated that enquiries are ongoing and that the cordon has been lifted as detectives continue to gather evidence. Officers emphasised that the arrest made on Sunday 17 May 2026 was on suspicion of rape and that significant efforts are underway to identify and locate a second suspect. That individual is described as a white man, aged in his 30s or 40s, with short dark hair and dark facial hair, wearing blue jeans and a dark green jacket with a white stripe on both sleeves.
Searches, scene preservation and local observations
Following the reports, detectives established a visible presence on the dunes and conducted a methodical search for forensic material and witnesses. Officers were observed guarding the vegetated dunes throughout Saturday as they examined the area. Local residents and people staying in nearby tents described waking to find police tape and patrols; some initially heard only rumours of other crimes. A semi-retired window fitter who has been staying in a tent nearby said he noticed the cordon on Saturday morning and was told little due to the active nature of the investigation. A taxi driver who passed the area early on Saturday said he saw several police vehicles and later expressed concern about safety in the town.
Victim support and police reassurance
Chief Inspector Nick Paling, the district commander for Great Yarmouth, has confirmed that specialist officers are supporting both girls while enquiries continue. The force has committed to an increased uniformed presence in the area to provide reassurance to the public and encouraged anyone concerned to speak with officers on patrol. Local councillors have publicly backed the police effort and called for the perpetrators to be found and brought before the courts. The force stressed the sensitive nature of the investigation and asked for patience as it follows lines of enquiry that may lead to further arrests or charges.
How the public can help
Investigators have issued an appeal for witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward. Those with potential evidence are asked to contact Norfolk Police via their online reporting channels or by calling 101. The force also provided an email contact for investigative leads and highlighted the option to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. When contacting police, members of the public should quote crime reference 36/34665/26 to ensure information is linked to the correct investigation. Detectives say even small details—times, descriptions, vehicle sightings or mobile phone footage—could prove valuable.
Next steps in the inquiry
Officers continue to piece together witness accounts and forensic findings as part of a wider inquiry that remains active. The arrested man is in custody while interviews and forensic analysis proceed, and the search for the second described suspect is ongoing. Police have reassured residents that enquiries are progressing and urged anyone with information to get in touch immediately. Community safety patrols are being maintained, and local leaders have expressed support for the victims and for the ongoing police response as the investigation develops.
