POLICE in Swindon are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was subjected to a serious sexual assault in the town centre last Friday.

The incident, involving a 19 year old woman, happened between 2.30am and 3.30am at the rear of the Wilkinson’s shop where Carr Street and Queen Street meet.

Detective officers have established that the victim initially met a man in an alleyway, leading from Fleet Street, which runs between the Mailcoach pub, and Wilkinson’s store.

Following this initial meeting, the suspect took the victim to the rear of Wilkinson’s shop, where the sexual assault took place.

The offender is described as a black man, approximately 6ft tall, medium build, with very short hair, cut to a number two grade.

Due to the location of attack, and the time of it happened, police officers believe there would have been many people on Swindon’s streets – leaving nearby clubs and pubs.

They believe that some of these people may well have seen or heard something which will assist the officers in tracing this offender.

Detective Inspector Andrew Bridge said: “This was a particularly nasty attack on a 19 year old woman, and I need to trace and arrest the offender as soon as possible.

“My officers have established that a man walked past the victim and her attacker whilst in the alleyway, and I would appeal to that person or anyone else who witnessed these two people together, to come forward, as they may have vital information.”

In light of the attack, police in Swindon have urged anyone out late at night to heed their personal safety warnings which include telling someone where you are going and when you think you will arrive, take a mobile phone, stay to well lit, busy areas and take a licensed taxi if possible.

Anyone with any information which may help the police in this investigation, or who may have any idea as to the identity of the offender is asked to contact Det Insp Bridge on 0845 408 7000 extension 760621 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555111.

For more information on personal safety contact the Community Safety Department on 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively, visit www.suzylamplugh.org which provides comprehensive advice on all aspects of personal safety.