GAZETTE & HERALD: A WOMAN was stalked, subjected to verbal abuse and then grabbed by a man as she walked in Corsham on Sunday morning.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack.

The woman was walking along Arnold Avenue at about 9.40am when a man started to follow her.

He persistently shouted verbal abuse at her.

When she got to an alleyway that leads off Priory Street, he violently grabbed her left shoulder.

PC Kane Fulbrook-Smith of Corsham police who is dealing with the incident said: "She became alarmed and distressed.

"He used enough force to stop her in her tracks but she managed to free herself by using reasonable force.

"She then ran off towards Priory Street.

"The incident has left her in a state of shock and she really feared for her safety.

"She felt that she had been targeted and taken advantage of because she was on her own.

"If someone is going to do this in daylight when there's the possibility of people being out and about, it is of considerable concern."

The man is described as 6ft, aged between 30 and 40, with a stocky build. He had short brown hair and a dark brown moustache.

He was wearing a blue baseball cap and a navy blue tracksuit jacket that was unzipped.

He had a very strong Wiltshire accent with a distinctive slurred tone to his voice.

PC Fulbrook-Smith is now urging people who may have seen the attack or anyone who thinks they may know the man to come forward.

He is particularly interested in talking to two people who were loading a vehicle in Arnold Avenue at the time.

"It is important to locate this man so we can speak to him. I would ask women to be mindful of this incident when they go out alone."

He can be contacted on (01249) 712172 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555111.