POLICE are warning women going out during the festive season to stay in groups where possible as they continue their investigations into the rape of a 39-year-old woman.

They are still speaking to the victim as they try to build up a description of the attacker.

The investigation was launched after members of the public found the woman in a distressed state during the early hours of Saturday morning in Terminus Terrace at around 2.30am.

She had left an Oxford Street restaurant at around midnight.

Police have described the incident is an "isolated case" and is appealing for anyone who saw the woman described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, with long blonde hair tied back with a clip and wearing a brown blouse, grey skirt, brown corduroy jacket and black shoes to get in touch.

If you can help call Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.