A TERRIFIED woman was grabbed and sexually assaulted as she tried to run away from a man in an early hours attack.

The 20-year-old victim was approached from behind by a man who spoke to her as she withdrew money from a cashpoint.

As she tried to flee the suspect followed her and "forcibly sexually assaulted her."

Now detectives have released CCTV images of a suspect and hope members of the public will help them to identify him.

And they have increased police patrols in the Charminster area of Bournemouth.

The offence took place at around 4am on Sunday December 6 when the woman withdrew money from a cashpoint outside Tesco Express in Charminster Road.

She ran into nearby Stewart Road where the assault took place, then shouted for help and ran to a nearby house to raise the alarm.

The suspect is described as being aged around 30-years-old, possibly of Middle Eastern descent, and with short, dark hair. He was wearing a dark blue gilet, a black long-sleeved top with two white stripes down the side and dark coloured trainers.

Detective Chief Inspector Jez Noyce, of Dorset Police, said: "As part of our investigation, we are now in a position to release a CCTV image of the suspect and I would urge anyone who knows who he is to please call Dorset Police.

"I know this man was in the Charminster area between 4am and 6am on the morning of the incident and I am certain that a number of people would have seen him and may have valuable information that could assist my investigation.

"This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and I would like to reassure the public that the local Neighbourhood Policing Team is stepping up patrols in the area."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 6:107. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.