Renewed appeal after sexual assault

Detectives in Bournemouth investigating a serious sexual assault in the town are renewing their appeal for witnesses – with CCTV being released of a man officers wish to speak with.

The incident took place at approximately 2am on Sunday, 12 July 2009, in an area of Bournemouth Gardens just next to Westover Road.

The victim, a 26-year-old woman from Southbourne, was seriously sexually assaulted and punched in the face and head.

She suffered bruising and swelling to her face and was taken by ambulance to Poole Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries and released later in the day.

Officers are renewing their appeal for witnesses and anyone with information about the incident.

Officers would also like anyone who may have seen the victim with a man during the early hours of Sunday, 12 July 2009 to get in touch urgently.

CCTV released today shows the victim walking with a man along Westover Road, in the direction of Bath Road.

The man officers wish to speak with is of Asian appearance, aged between 30 and 35 years old, of medium build with short dark hair. He was wearing blue jeans, a dark coloured tracksuit top with white stripes down each arm, and white trainers.

The victim was wearing a nurse’s blue and white fancy dress outfit, with a white nurse’s hat, having attended a fancy dress party with friends.

Detective Inspector Craig Travers, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The victim left a nightclub near the junction of Exeter Road and Gervis Place alone at approximately 1.40am and made her way through Bournemouth Square and up Westover Road to get a taxi home.

“She was wearing quite distinctive clothing and if anyone saw her walking through Bournemouth Square and along Westover Road I need them to get in touch.

“The man approached the victim on Westover Road, outside the Brasshouse nightclub and was seen to cross over the road with the victim towards Bournemouth Gardens.

“If anyone saw the man in this area or saw him with a woman I need to speak with them urgently.

“This was a nasty and unprovoked attack which has left the victim injured and shocked and I’d urge anyone else who has any other information about this incident, or about the man responsible, to call the police immediately.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.