Investigation launched following assault in Tidworth

Officers are investigating an assault which occurred in Tidworth.

A 17-year-old woman was walking alone in the wooded area to the south east side of the Tidworth Cricket Ground at approximately 6.25pm on January 27, when she was approached by a man who assaulted her.

The man is described as white, aged between 25 to 35, 6 ft tall, of medium build with brown hair, he has been described as having a long floppy fringe. He was clean shaven and was wearing a dark hooded top and possibly dark jogging bottoms.

We are appealing directly to people that may have been in the area at this time. We believe there were some members of the public that were in the Free Ride Car Park that is adjacent to the main road and we would be keen to speak to them to see if they saw anyone matching that description. We would also like to hear from anyone that may have been driving between Shipton Bellinger and Tidworth around the time that may have relevant dash cam footage.

Det Insp Lucy Thorne said: “Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing but we would like to reassure the public that we will have an increased police presence in the area tonight - if you are concerned please approach these officers and speak to them.

“Incidents of this nature are taken very seriously and we are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the person responsible.

“We’d urge residents to be mindful of their own personal safety while out and about and report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220009631. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.