Tewkesbury sexual assault

25 August 2010, 13:37 | Updated: 25 August 2010, 13:43

Police in Tewkesbury are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in the town.

It happened at around 5.15am on Wednesday in an alleyway between Canterbury Leys and Northway Lane.

A 19-year-old was pushed to the ground but managed to kick and bite the offender who then ran off.

The woman was not injured during the incident.

The offender is described as a white man aged in his late twenties to early thirties.  He was around 5ft 10inches to 6ft tall with a medium build.  He had short brown hair about 1cm in length, a large pointed nose and was clean shaven.

He was wearing a brown or black plain hooded top with black trousers which were not jeans.

Detective Inspector Steve Bean from Cheltenham and Tewkesbury CID said:

“Firstly I would like to reassure local residents that this type of incident is extremely rare.

“Officers are increasing patrols in the area and will be speaking to any potential witnesses.

“We would like to advise people not to be unduly concerned but to consider their personal safety.

“Try to avoid walking alone, if you are alone use well lit routes.”

For further information on personal safety please visit the crime reduction section of the constabulary website at http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk..

If you have any concerns or information about this incident you should contact police on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident 49 of 25 August or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.