A WOMAN suffered a serious sexual assault down an alleyway just yards from a busy Swindon road.

The attack took place in the Commercial Road and Curtis Street areas of the town centre as the 31-year-old victim walked home from Fleet Street at about 3.30am on Thursday.

It is believed an altercation took place between the pair prior to the assault near the Hing Hong Fish Bar.

Officers have released a description of the suspect, describing him as a white man with a large build.

He has dark hair and was wearing dark clothing.

Last night Detective Sergeant Nick John, of Swindon Police, said: “Our specially trained officers have been working with the victim to establish the exact sequence of events that night and to offer her our support.

“Offences of this nature are particularly difficult to investigate and I am therefore appealing for help from the public.

“In particular I am keen to speak to anyone who saw a man and a woman walking together in the Curtis Street and Commercial Road area of Swindon between 2.30 and 3.30am that morning, or anyone who may have heard or seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area.

“It doesn’t matter how insignificant you believe this information to be. I would urge you to contact police immediately.”

Det Sgt John added: “Thankfully incidents such as this are rare in Wiltshire.”

In other sex attacks, Swindon CID investigated at least two incidents on lone, vulnerable females in or around Swindon town centre in October last year.

In August a teenager said she was sexually assaulted in the early hours of the morning in Union Row, just off Victoria Road in Old Town.

Police cordoned off adjoining Albert Street for about 12 hours to allow forensic officers to examine the area.

Anyone with information about this latest sex attack is asked to contact Det Insp John on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, where information may be left anonymously if preferred, on 0800 555 111.

POLICE have said there are a number of precautions people can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a sex crime.

These are to always make sure someone knows where you are going, who with and when you expect to return.

Take a mobile phone with you, try to make sure that you walk in groups and if you do have to walk alone be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Police say people should think about your route and try to stay in well lit and busy areas.

If you do go home alone always try to take a taxi. If you see anything suspicious or are concerned don’t hesitate to contact police.

If you feel that someone is following you, go to the nearest place where there are other people and call the police.

Consider carrying a personal attack alarm which are available from the Community Safety Department. Visit www.suzylamplugh.org for more advice.