A WOMAN was sexually assaulted in Christchurch in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, was walking along Stour Road at 1.45am when she was approached by a man who asked a number of questions.

She was then sexually assaulted over her clothing.

The victim shouted at the attacker and pushed and kicked him. He ran away.

Police were called, but the man hasn't been found.

He is described as white, approximately 30 years old, five feet seven inches tall and of medium build. He has brown hair in a short crew cut hairstyle and some facial hair.

He spoke with an accent, described as possibly Polish or Romanian, and wore dark clothing.

The woman is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Detective Constable Honor McAdam, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are carrying out a number of enquiries in the Stour Road area, including house-to-house visits and CCTV searches.

“I would urge anyone who was in Stour Road at the relevant time and saw a man acting suspiciously to please contact Dorset Police.

“Enquiries are also underway to locate a male taxi driver who was dropping off a fare in Stour Road just before the incident. I would ask this witness to please come forward as I believe he may have important information that could assist my investigation.

“Finally, I would ask any motorists who were in the Barrack Road or Stour Road area at around 1.45am this morning and have dashcams fitted in their vehicles to please make contact.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180036293.