Alleyway sex attack on Gloucester woman
A 23-year-old woman has been seriously sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Gloucester.
The woman met the man near Best Takeaway in Eastgate Street at about 0400 BST before being pushed into an alleyway.
The area has been cordoned-off and police are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the attacker.
He is described as black, aged about 30, with dreadlocked hair that was about 2in (5cm) long.
It is believed the offender, who was about 6ft tall, of muscular build and wearing a navy blue or black coat, was in the area around the bottom of Eastgate Street for some time before the incident.
Det Ch Insp Marc Flannery said: "The scene has been cordoned-off and officers are working hard to identify the man responsible - we are examining CCTV footage, doing house to house inquiries and looking at all forensic evidence, but we do need the public's help."
Anyone who was in the area in the early hours of Thursday, or who lives near the alleyway next to Liberty's Bar, is asked to contact the police.
Det Ch Insp Flannery added: "We do not want to cause any unnecessary alarm or distress because incidents like this are very rare but we are urging people to be aware of their personal safety.
"Don't walk home alone at night, try to get a taxi or stay with friends.
"If you are walking home then always choose well-lit routes and avoid alleyways or shortcuts."