POLICE investigating the rape of a woman in Bournemouth have released more information about the offence.

They hope members of the public will come forward following the attack on a local woman in her 40s.

The woman had spent the evening ion the Buffalo Bar in Wimborne Road, Winton on Friday October 19 and returned home in the early hours of the following morning.

She is believed to have been attacked in the Winton area in the intervening period and now officers have revealed that her handbag was found near the Banks Medical Centre in Wimborne Road the following day.

A cordon was in place on Monday while investigations continued.

The incident was reported to police at 6.30pm on Tuesday October 23.

Detective Inspector Gavin House, of Bournemouth CID, said the victim continues to be supported by specially-trained officers and asked anyone with information to call Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55180171842 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.