Detectives investigating a report of rape in Dorchester are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Dorset Police received a report that at around 10.30pm on Friday, August 13 a woman – aged in her 30s – was raped in an alleyway in the town centre.

Cordons were put in place outside The Royal Oak pub and in South Street Passage to allow for an examination of the area to be carried out. The cordon at The Royal Oak has now been lifted.

Detective Inspector Sarah Gillion, of Dorset Police, said: "A full investigation is underway and a number of enquiries are ongoing, including carrying out CCTV trawls of the vicinity.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries with the victim to provide support, ascertain the full details and establish the location of the incident.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the town centre around the relevant time to please come forward.

"Local officers in the area can be approached by anyone in the community with any concerns."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210130995.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.