POLICE are hunting three men after a woman was sexually assaulted in a Bournemouth street.

The victim was standing smoking a cigarette at the junction of Pine Road and Midland Road in Winton when she was approached by three men at around 11pm on Sunday night who started to hassle her.

One of the men sexually assaulted her.

The victim, aged in her 30s, pushed the offender and managed to run away.

She was found by a passer-by who took her to a place of safety and called the police.

Police said the victim’s mobile phone was damaged during the incident.

The first offender is described as white, with dark blond hair, five feet seven inches tall and wore a denim coat.

The second man is described as black with dark curly hair and five feet seven inches tall. He wore a black puffed jacket, jeans and Nike shoes. He also had a single pearl-type earring.

While the third man wore a denim coat and jeans.

Detective Constable Marie Greer, of Dorset Police’s Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim and she is being supported by specially trained officers.

“A full investigation is now underway to identify and locate these offenders and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the relevant time and may have seen or heard something suspicious to please contact Dorset Police. I would also like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area and may have captured something of relevance on dashcam.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached by local residents with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190056386. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.