A MAN allegedly took his clothes off before sexually assaulting a woman sitting on grass by a footpath.

Officers investigating the incident, which occurred at around 2.10pm on Sunday, June 12 in East Overcliff Drive, have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

It’s reported a man took his clothes off and sexually assaulted the woman aged in her 50s.

The victim managed to walk away and report the incident to a nearby member of the public.

Officers attended and following a search of the area, a 29-year-old man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Detective Constable Thomas Norman, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Our enquiries are continuing into this incident and we are supporting the victim.

“I understand the area was busy at the time with people going to the beach and I am appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity and witnessed what happened to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220093353.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.