A WOMAN was dragged into an alley and sexually assaulted in Wantage. 

Police are urging any witnesses to come forward following the incident, which took place about midnight. 

The woman, in her twenties, was walking along Wallingford Street when a man grabbed her and pulled her into the alleyway opposite the BP Garage.

It is there where the man sexually assaulted her. 

The woman managed to escape her attacker's clutches and fled back to Wallingford Street where she flagged down a passing car.

The offender is described as a mixed race man, in his twenties, with curly dark hair.

He was wearing dark clothing. 

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Steve Raffield, of Force CID, said: "This is a concerning incident and we are carrying out a thorough investigation and following a number of lines of enquiry to gather further information.

"The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

"We are asking members of the public who were in the area of Wallingford Street at around 12.15am this morning to come forward and please call 101 quoting reference 12 of 11/06/18.

"As a result of this incident members of the public may see an increased police presence and patrols whilst we continue to investigate.

"We would advise anyone with concerns to please speak to one of our neighbourhood officers."

It is understood that forensic officers were on the scene this afternoon. 

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '12 11/06/18', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.