Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a woman was raped in Bournemouth town centre.

Dorset Police received a report at around 3.05am on Sunday October  30 that a woman was approached by four unknown men in Wootton Gardens and was raped.

The men are described as Turkish with black beards and were all wearing black.

Read more: Police cordon remains in place as rape investigation continues

The victim – a woman aged in her 20s – is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Detective Inspector Katie Starkie, of Bournemouth CID, said: “A full and detailed investigation has been launched by detectives and a cordon is in place at the location.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward.

“I would also urge residents with home CCTV or motorists who were travelling in the vicinity with a dashcam to please check their footage for anything relevant to assist our investigation.

“This incident will understandably cause concern for the community and I would like to remind the public that there will be an increased police presence in the town centre as enquiries continue and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220176487.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.