A WOMAN was subjected to a terrifying early morning sex attack near a Bournemouth cemetery.

Police urgently want to speak to a man who offered help to the 36-year-old Ringwood woman after the assault in Iddesleigh Road, Charminster.

A spokesman said a man grabbed hold of his victim and seriously sexually assaulted her near the cemetery.

Detective Sergeant Dave Colomb, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “The victim was very shocked after the incident and I understand that she flagged down a taxi along Charminster Road.

“Before getting into the taxi, I believe that she may have had a conversation with a man – I would very much like to speak to this member of the public as soon as possible.

“I understand that this man had grey hair and was aged in his 40s or 50s. He stayed with the victim, offering assistance, until she left in the taxi.”

Police also want to hear from anyone else that spoke with the woman, who was visibly distressed, near the cemetery in Iddesleigh Road around the time of the assault at 5am on Sunday, May 30. They have only just released details.

The offender is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance with short, dark hair. He was clean-shaven and wore a green or blue T-shirt and dark coloured bottoms at the time of the incident.

DS Colomb added: “I would urge anyone who witnessed this attack, and anyone with information about the man responsible, to contact me urgently.”

Call police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.