AN 18-year-old woman was the victim of a serious sexual assault in a notorious area of the town late on Saturday evening.

The woman, who is from the Swindon area, told officers at Wiltshire Police she was walking through the underpass between Station Road and the Oasis leisure centre when the assault took place.

Police were alerted just after midnight and the underpass was sealed off for several hours to allow scenes of crime officers to search for evidence.

Det Insp Mark Power, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are investigating a serious sexual assault which occurred between 10pm and midnight in the underpass.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who was near to the underpass or who walked through the underpass during those times.”

The underpass, dubbed ‘Mugger’s Alley’, has been the scene of several serious crimes in recent months, including the murder of 60-year-old cyclist Tom Rogers in June.

Mr Rogers had been riding home from work when he was killed in a random and motiveless attack.

The incident prompted police to issue a warning to people not to walk home alone late at night It also led to increased patrols by police officers and work by the Community Payback Team to clear the underpass, removing discarded needles and broken glass, as well as cutting back overgrown grass.

Anyone with information on the sex assault on Saturday evening, should call Wiltshire Police on 101 immediately.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.