Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward following a sexual assault in East Dorset.
Dorset Police received a report at 1.51am on Sunday 27 July 2025 that a woman – aged in her 50s – had been sexually assaulted by a man in Avon Castle Drive in St Ives.
The incident is reported to have occurred a short time before the report at around 1.30am.
The man is described as aged between 18 and 30 years old, approximately five feet 11 inches tall, of slim build and was wearing a light-coloured T-shirt and jeans.
Detective Inspector Simon Austin, of Dorset County CID, said: “A full and detailed investigation is being carried out and the victim is being supported while enquiries continue. This includes securing any available home CCTV or doorbell camera footage.
“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the Avon Castle Drive area on that day between 1am and 2am to please get in touch.
“If you were driving in the vicinity and have a dashcam fitted, I would ask you to please check your footage for anything that may assist our investigation.
“We recognise that this incident will cause concern within the community and we would like to encourage everyone to please approach officers if you have any information or concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250109965. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
