Residents in a secluded city cul-de-sac where a shocking sex attack took place during a morning crime spree today told of their shock.

Norwich Evening News: A 22-year-old man has been charged with five offences, following a series of incidents in Norwich city centre. Picture: ANTONY KELLY.A 22-year-old man has been charged with five offences, following a series of incidents in Norwich city centre. Picture: ANTONY KELLY. (Image: Archant)

A man was arrested at Norwich's railway station after an hour of attacks from 6.39am - including the rape at Ten Bell Court, two robberies and an assault.

This afternoon an area - understood to be where the rape occurred - at Ten Bell Court, off St Benedicts Street, was sealed off. Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) stood guard while enquiries continued.

Officers were first called to Ten Bell Court at 6.39am to reports a woman had been assaulted and raped. The woman is being supported by specially trained officers at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Residents were today coming to terms with what happened.

One woman, who did not want to be named, but who lives close to the area which has been sealed off, said she thought she 'heard a woman screaming' earlier this morning.

A 36-year-old woman who also lived close to the scene said she was sleeping in a back room so did not hear anything but was shocked to find out about the alleged incident.

She said: 'I know pretty much all of the residents around here. I'm surprised this has happened, I've always felt quite safe around here - especially when I know so many people around here as well.'

A Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary forensics van is parked close to the scene at Ten Bell Court.

Norwich Evening News: Detectives have launched an investigation into two robberies, a rape and an assault which were all reported within an hour between 6.39am and 7.38am on Thursday, March 30. Picture: Antony KellyDetectives have launched an investigation into two robberies, a rape and an assault which were all reported within an hour between 6.39am and 7.38am on Thursday, March 30. Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant)

This morning a scenes of crime officer, wearing a mask and gloves, could be seen carrying out inquiries at the scene, including dusting for finger prints.

Following a call about the rape a second call came at 7.27am when a man reported being robbed of his phone on Theatre Street. He was threatened but not injured.

At 7.37am police received a call from a woman who said she had been grabbed and assaulted by a man in the underpass on St Stephens. She suffered minor facial injuries. The final call came at 7.38am after a man was robbed of his wallet in London Street. It is not thought he was injured.

The incidents resulted in a search and officers detained a man at Norwich Railway Station.

The 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incidents and has been taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Police believed the incidents were linked but were unable to confirm at this time.

Information to police on 101.