Police are investigating a serious sexual assault in Gloucester in the early hours of Thursday morning, (November 11).

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information in relation to the rape of an elderly woman at her home.

The man is described as being aged between 25 and 30, spoke with a local accent, is of a slim build, around 5ft 8ins in height and is thought to have facial hair.

The incident happened around 1.45am after he entered the property, which is at an address in the area between Bristol Road and Seymour Road.

Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Sergeant Faye Satchwell-Bennett said: "This is an extremely concerning incident which will understandably cause alarm in the community.

"Officers are in the early stages of an investigation and work is ongoing, including CCTV being gathered and reviewed.

"At this stage we're keen to hear from anyone who has any information which could assist or anyone who witnessed anything between the times of 5pm on Wednesday (November 10) and 3am on Thursday (November 11).

"We're also urging anyone who has either seen someone acting suspiciously in the area in recent days or any behaviour which they feel was suspicious to contact us.

"Those living nearby will see enhanced police patrols taking place and the police community engagement vehicle in the area and I would ask anyone who is concerned to speak to officers.

"The victim is being supported by specialist officers."

Anyone with information is asked to submit this to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 17 of 11 November: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ 

You can also call police on 101 or alternatively, you can give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/