DETECTIVES investigating the alleged rape of a woman at a Purewell pub are appealing for three men who were drinking there on Monday night to come forward.

The victim, a 19-year-old woman from Christchurch, has been interviewed by specially trained officers following the incident, said to have taken place in the Salisbury Arms pub on Monday night.

Police were alerted to the incident following a 999 call from a man on a mobile phone at four minutes past midnight on Tuesday.

A 39-year-old Christchurch man has been arrested over the alleged rape at the pub, which was sealed off all day on Tuesday while crime scene investigators examined the building.

The pub remained closed for part of the day yesterday but opened later.

Detectives would like to speak to three men, who were in the pub that night as they could have important information that could help detectives with their investigation.

They were seen in the pub at 8-10.30pm on Monday.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.