‘Urgent need’ to find man after sexual assault

A wide Google Street View shot of the entrance to Lime Street in Nether Stowey in Somerset. There are trees either side of the junction and houses visible in the background — Image caption,

The incident happened on a footpath near Lime Street

Police say there is an “urgent need” to trace a man wanted in connection with a sexual assault in a Somerset village.

Avon and Somerset Police said the assault happened in Nether Stowey, on the edge of the Quantock Hills, on 12 October at about 03:30 to 03:35 BST.

The victim, a woman in her 40s, was walking along a footpath near Lime Street, known locally as Palmers Path, when an unknown man approached her from behind.

Ch Insp Wells-Cole said police want to hear from local people with any information about the incident.

The offender sexually assaulted the woman, but she manged to break free and escape, the force said.

The man was described as white, no taller than 5ft 10ins, with black hair and stubble.

He was also said to be wearing jeans, dark brown or black shoes and a blue T-shirt.

Police have asked anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the assault or have footage from around that time to get in touch.

Ch Insp Wells-Cole said: “Sexual assaults are traumatic incidents for any victim, and we are hugely grateful this was reported to us, so we can carry out a full investigation to identify the offender.

“We understand that what happened will no doubt cause concern within the local community.”