Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted near Wallingford.

The 21-year-old victim was walking down an alleyway near the recreation ground in Crowmarsh Gifford at around 2am on Sunday, police said today.

A spokesman said it was being investigated as a serious sexual assault. She could not say at this stage if it meant it was a rape.

Dc 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 December 30 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 can contact Didcot CID via Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 08458 505505.

Alternatively, witnesses can make an anonymous call to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.