Police are investigating a sexual assault in Dorchester and appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

It is reported that some time between midday and early afternoon on Wednesday, July 20 the victim – a woman aged in her 50s – was sitting on a bench outside M&Co in South Street with a friend when a man approached and sat with them.

The man reportedly inappropriately touched the victim over her clothing.

He is described as a short white man, approximately 50 years old and of large build with short to medium length brown hair. He was wearing a grey T-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Police Constable Mike Rumsby, of West Dorset police, said: "We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and will be supporting the victim as our investigation continues.

"I am appealing for anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220117796. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.