A YOUNG woman was subjected to a terrifying early morning sex assault in Bournemouth town centre.

The attack saw the 23-year-old woman pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted as she walked through the town at 7am.

Her attacker eventually ran off after a passer-by approached him.

Police have issued CCTV pictures of two men they would like to speak to following the attack.

The incident happened in the town’s Commercial Road shopping area, near H&M, on Sunday, December 30.

The Bournemouth woman was walking along the road when she was passed by two men walking in the opposite direction.

One turned around and caught up with her. He then pulled her to the ground, touched her inappropriately, punched and kicked her.

During the assault, he attempted to steal her handbag by threatening her. The offender ran off when he was approached by a member of the public.

Detective Constable Steve Griffin, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This is a very nasty incident which left the victim extremely distressed.

“Luckily the attack was interrupted and she was not injured.

“I am releasing three images showing two men who I believe can help me with the investigation.

“I would urge the men pictured – and anyone who recognises them – to contact me, in confidence, as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 30:107, or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.