POLICE are investigating an alleged rape at a Bournemouth hotel 31 years ago.

The woman, who has only now found the courage to come forward, says she was sexually assaulted in June 1976 at the hotel above the Outlook Club when she was just a teenager.

Detectives are now urgently seeking staff who worked in the hotel or the club, which now forms part of the Elements complex, at that time. They may have vital information.

Detective Constable Matt Stacey, of Bournemouth CID, said: "What was the Outlook Club is now part of the Elements complex in Fir Vale Road, Bournemouth, and the club was under different management in 1976.

"On that night in June 1976 I understand that the group that was playing was either Hot Chocolate or Marmalade.

"It's vital that I trace members of staff from that night, in particular I'm trying to find the male member of staff who was working in the reception area of the hotel, who called the police after seeing a very distressed teenage girl run across the foyer and out of the building.

"That girl has now found the courage to complain that she was the victim of a serious sexual assault that evening - and that she was aware the police were called that night by the member of staff in the hotel reception.

"I'm keen to trace all members of staff of the Outlook Club and the hotel who were working there in June 1976. There may also be someone who was staying at the hotel at that time who remembers a disturbance.

"Any information would greatly assist me to continue to investigate this very serious allegation. I'd like to assure all witnesses that their call would be treated in total confidence."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestop- pers line on 0800 555 111.