An appeal has gone out from police after a woman was sexually assaulted in Bournemouth.
The victim, a 44-year-old woman from Oxford, was sitting on a bench in the West Overcliff gardens area overlooking the beach on Thursday 17 April at approximately 1.30pm. A man approached her, sat close and inappropriately touched her.
PC Daniel Cullen, of Bournemouth police, said: “This was a distressing incident but fortunately the victim was unharmed.
“I believe that the presence of a family with a dog nearby startled the offender. He fled and ran further into the West Overcliff gardens, in the direction of Durley Chine.”
The offender is described as a white man, of slim build, about five feet eight inches tall and in his mid to late twenties. He was clean shaven and had dark hair that was short at the sides and a quiff at the front. He was wearing a bright royal blue polo shirt, possibly made by Ralph Lauren.
PC Cullen continued: “I am appealing for witnesses who may have seen the assault to come forward. In particular I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a man matching the offender’s description in the area at the time.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 17:212. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
