DETECTIVES hunting a man who seriously sexually assaulted a woman close to Chippenham town centre were on the streets in the early hours of Monday, interviewing locals and hoping to find important evidence or witnesses who could help them catch the attacker.

Patrols and house-to-house enquires are still taking place in the area of Downing Street and Canterbury Street where the attack took place in the early hours of September 19.

A woman in her 20s was walking through the area at 1am when she was dragged into an alleyway and sexually assaulted by the man, who then ran off in the direction of Sheldon Road.

Her attacker is described as white but tanned and spoke with an English accent, who was wearing a dark coat and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Simon Pope, of Melksham CID, said: “Enquiries into this serious incident are still very much ongoing.

“We have visited a number of houses in the area as part of our house-to-house enquiries during the past week, and we conducted a visit to the area one week since the attack.

“The victim is continuing to receive support from our specialist Sexual Offence Liaison Officers following this nasty attack.

“I’d again like to appeal to members of the local community – were you in the Downing Street area of Chippenham between the hours of midnight and 2am on September 19?

“Did you hear anything suspicious? Maybe you saw a man running in the direction of Sheldon Road.”

Police this week issued guidance for people spending a night out to help them remain safe, including letting people know where you are going and when you are expecting to return home, staying with friends and sticking to well-lit areas, as well as keeping your mobile phone fully charged.

“If you think someone is following you, go to the nearest place where there are people and ask for help, or, if you can’t find somewhere or you are worried in any way, ring 999,” said a police spokesman.

“Always try to be aware of what and who is around you and avoid putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation.”

Anyone with information regarding the sexual assault can call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.