Patrols are being stepped up around Dorcan Way after a woman, 19, reported she had been raped near the Esso garage.

Police this week released a CCTV image of the man they want to speak to in connection with the alleged sexual assault on September 10.

Det Insp Paul Hacker said: “We want to reassure the community that we are carrying out a thorough investigation into this assault and doing all we can to find the perpetrator.

“We are putting on additional patrols in this area and we would ask anyone walking alone late at night to be mindful of their surroundings and not to walk in secluded areas – if you can, walk in a group or with another person.

“The victim is being looked after by specially trained officers."

Swindon Advertiser:

Det Insp Paul Hacker of Wiltshire Police

He urged anyone with information to come forward and report it to police. “Perhaps a person you know is behaving out of character or matches the male in the CCTV image, if you suspect someone please contact us via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The senior CID detective said reports of sexual assault were taken extremely seriously by his officers. "I fully understand just how daunting it may be for a victim to come forward and take that first step in reporting to police, please be reassured that we will provide you with support throughout the process, and we will pursue offenders to bring them to justice," he said.