POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault in Bournemouth.

The victim, a woman aged in her 30s, was walking across the suspension bridge between Beaulieu Road and West Overcliff Drive at Alum Chine at around 12.30am on Sunday September 24.

She was grabbed from behind by an unknown man.

The victim then ran to a friend's house.

She did not sustain any injuries as a result of the incident.

The man is described as light skinned with short dark, possibly brown, hair.

Detective Inspector Neil Wright, of Dorset Police, said: "I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident, or anyone who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary in the area at the time, to please contact police.

"While sexual assaults by strangers are extremely rare in Dorset, we would always urge people to be vigilant when walking home at night, keep to well-lit roads and ensure somebody knows where you are at all times.

"Following this incident local officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been increasing patrols in the area to provide community reassurance and can be approached with any concerns."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police quoting occurrence number 55170148832.