POLICE are appealing for help in identifying a man after an 18-year-old woman was indecently assaulted in Swindon town centre.

The woman was walking alone in Regent Street at about 1.30am on Saturday, August 15, when she was approached by a man who she did not know.

He attempted to engage her in conversation and persisted even when she made it clear she was not interested.

The man continued to walk with the woman towards Theatre Square, where he pushed her against a wall and touched her inappropriately.

The man is described as black, aged between 19 and 21, about 5ft 10 inches tall and of skinny build.

PC Stephen Drage said: "Fortunately, the woman was not hurt during the incident but she was left very shaken and upset.

"A thorough investigation is being carried out and a CCTV image of a man police would like to speak to in connection with this incident has been released.

“I would like to urge members of the public to be mindful when walking alone at night. There are a number of precautions that you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of such a crime:

• Always make sure that someone knows where you are going, who with and when you expect to return

• Take a mobile phone with you to allow you to keep in contact.

• Try to make sure that you walk in groups, if you do walk alone be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

• Think about your route and try to stay in well lit, busy areas

• If you see anything suspicious or are at all concerned don’t hesitate to contact police

• If you feel that someone is following you, go to the nearest place where there are other people and call police.

• Consider carrying a personal attack alarm which are available from the Community Safety Department.”

Anyone with information on this incident should call PC Drage on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.