Woman in her 20s ‘chased into dead end and sexually assaulted’ by popular beach

A woman in her 20s was followed and sexually assaulted close to Bournemouth Beach, say police.

The victim was walking along Meyrick Road at around 7pm on February 18.

She told Dorset Police a man approached her and began making inappropriate comments.

She then ran towards a block of flats called Elizabeth Court, but when she reached an ‘enclosed footpath’ she was cornered by the man.

He reportedly touched her over her clothing, before a member of the public heard her shouting and intervened.

At this point she managed to run away.

Police have since arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault and stalking.

Officers are now appealing for the passerby who intervened and anyone he was with to get in touch to help with the investigation.

Detective Constable Merryn Matthews, of BCP CID, said: ‘A full investigation has been ongoing into this incident and we are supporting the victim as enquiries continue.

‘During the incident, a member of the public intervened after reportedly hearing the victim shouting as she tried to leave the scene.

‘I am keen to speak to this person, and anyone he was with at the time, as they may have important information to assist my investigation.’

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250024666.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

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