Officers were alerted at 4am on Sunday (4/9) by a male motorist who took the 19-year-old victim to Newbury police station. The woman had flagged him down and asked for help just seconds after running away from the offender.

The victim, who lives locally but will not be named, was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading for precautionary checks and is now recovering at home. She continues to help police by providing them with as much information as possible.

She was walking alone in the underpass in Mill Lane, near the police station, when she was approached from behind by a man who grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.

She bravely fought back and struggled free from the man, running to a nearby motorist for help.

It is possible the offender suffered facial injuries in the struggle as the woman attempted to break free from him.

The offender is dark-skinned and possibly Asian. He is in his mid twenties or early thirties and of medium build. He has short dark hair and wore a gold hoop earring in one of his ears.

Det Sgt Nick Salt, of Newbury CID, is investigating the incident and is appealing for people with information, or those who recognise the offender from his description, to come forward.

He also wants to speak to people who had a male friend or relative return home on Sunday with facial injuries.

He said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in Newbury and I am overseeing an investigation to ensure we bring the offender to justice and support the victim. The woman has been very brave and provided us with much information following her ordeal.

“We are now hoping someone knows who the offender is and I am urging them to come forward. The description is good and someone knows a male who came home on Sunday with facial injuries. I would urge people to come forward immediately, in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newbury CID via 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to the police or leave their name can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.