A MAn has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman as she walked home from Bournemouth town centre.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened between midnight and 1am on Sunday along Wimborne Road.

The victim, a 43-year-old, was walking alone between Richmond Hill and Cemetery Junction when the incident took place.

Detective Constable Ben Singleton, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “I am hoping that someone may have witnessed this incident.

“I am also very keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a man aged in his twenties with short hair crossing the road erratically and disrupting traffic along Wimborne Road prior to this alleged attack taking place.

“The victim was treated in hospital for minor bruising to her head.

“Witnesses and anyone with information about the alleged offender should contact Dorset Police as soon as possible in the strictest confidence.”

A 21-year-old man from Poole has been arrested and charged with a sexual offence and actual bodily harm.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 16:26.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.