Police Search For 4 Men After Sex Attack

Detectives in North Dorset are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a woman was sexually assaulted in Shaftesbury.

The incident, in which a 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted,happened along Wincombe Lane at around 2am on Saturday 3 December 2011.  
 
The victim, from Shaftesbury, was uninjured but extremely distressed by the incident.
 
Detective Constable Gavin Roy, of county CID,said:

“This was a despicable attack on a lone woman by a number of men.
 
“It is essential that anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone who recalls anything suspicious or unusual in the Wincombe Lane area during the early hours of Saturday morning, contacts me as soon as possible..
 
“I understand that this lane is often used by people to cut through the industrial estate on their way home from Shaftesbury town centre.
 
“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw a group of men in the vicinity of Wincombe Lane between 2 and 3am.”

 
Two of the men appeared to be of a large build, whileanother two were of a smaller build, one was possibly wearing a woolly hat.

 
Inspector Shawn Whitley, North Dorset Neighbourhood Inspector, said:

“This investigation is being taken very seriously.
 
“CID officers are working closely with local officers to investigate this incident.
 
“I am aware that there are strong feelings within the local community in relation to this incident.
 
“I urge anyone who has any information that may assist,to contact police and let this matter be investigated through the correct channels.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incidentnumber 3:82. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.