POLICE today appealed for witnesses after a serious sexual assault in Crowmarsh Gifford, near Wallingford.

At about 2am yesterday, a 21-year-old woman was walking down an alleyway near to the recreation ground when she assaulted.

Det Con Andy Thomson, of Didcot CID, said: "The offender is white and was wearing a hooded top. I appeal to anyone who was in the area in the early hours of yesterday and saw a man acting suspiciously to contact police immediately.

"I urge women who are planning an evening out to celebrate the New Year to please make sure they plan their journey home and make sure they do not walk the streets alone for their own safety."

Anyone with information that could assist police inquiries is urged to contact Didcot CID via Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.