POLICE have released images of a witness as they continue to investigate a sex assault at a Bournemouth nightclub that took place last January.

The victim, a woman aged in her 20s, was sitting outside a fire escape at Cameo in Fir Vale Road between 3.30am and 4.30am on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, when a man, who was not known to her, approached and sat down beside her.

He then proceeded to sexually assault her.

Police have now released an image of a man who was in the area at the time of the assault who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

Detective Constable Holly Sexton, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I appreciate this incident was over a year ago now, but our investigation is still continuing as we owe it to the victim to explore every line of enquiry available to us.

“Over the past year we have carried out a range of enquiries including a review of CCTV footage, a number of forensic examinations and further investigative work, but we have still not been able to identify the suspect.

“I am now issuing an image of a man who was in the vicinity around the time of the assault and would urge anyone with information as to his identity to please contact us. I would like to stress that we are treating this man purely as a witness, not as a suspect, and believe he may have information that might assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200000143. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.