A TEENAGER was cut on the face and neck after she was thrown against a wall and sexually assaulted at knifepoint.

Police have called for information about the "very frightening" incident, which happened sometime between 4am and 5am on Thursday.

The woman, who is in her late teens, was walking in Albert Road, Parkstone when a man approached her from behind.

He grabbed her by the hair and pushed her into a wall before holding onto her hips and ripping off her jacket.

When the victim struggled, he put a knife to her neck. The victim suffered cuts to her neck and face.

A member of the public rushed to help, allowing the victim to get free.

The offender is described as five feet ten inches tall and of medium build. He was believed to be wearing a black hooded top with the hood up.

The incident was reported to Dorset Police at 9.17pm on Thursday, some hours after the attack.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a very frightening incident for the victim and we are continuing to support her as we carry out our enquiries.

“I am really keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident or who has information to assist my investigation.

“I would specifically like to appeal directly to the member of the public who came to the victim’s aid to please get in touch with detectives.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200023350.