Appeal for information after man sexually assaulted woman in Stroud

Police are appealing for information after a man sexually assaulted a woman in Stroud on Saturday 17 June.

The incident happened at around 6.15pm on the canal path near Chestnut Lane swing bridge.

The man was walking behind the woman and asked her for the time, he then jogged to catch up to her and grabbed her from behind.

He pulled her towards him and sexually assaulted her. The victim, aged in her 30s, distracted the man and she ran away and sought help from people nearby.

Officers attended and a 30-year-old man from Stroud was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He was later released on bail while further enquiries take place.

It is understood that the man may have followed the victim from Lidl on Dudbridge Road and onto the canal path, and police are keen to hear from any shoppers who saw suspicious activity in the area.

The man was described as being white and was wearing blue jeans and a grey jumper.

Anyone who witnessed what took place, or has information or footage which may assist the ongoing investigation, is asked to contact police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 461 of 17 June: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/