A MANHUNT has been launched after a woman suffered a "very distressing sexual assault" on a footpath.

The victim - a woman in her 40s - was found disorientated after being pushed to the ground and attacked in Weymouth.

The woman walking along a footpath off Weymouth Bay Avenue that runs between Lodmoor Country Park and the RSPB Lodmoor bird reserve, when she was approached by a man who assaulted her.

The victim was left disorientated and was found by a woman, believed to be aged in her 60s, who was walking a black Labrador but did not have a mobile phone. The woman went and flagged down a man who was nearby, who then contacted the ambulance service.

Tennis club employee arrested for sexual offences to face no further police action

When the man and woman returned to the victim she was being assisted by a male runner and a further female runner also stopped to help.

Detective Sergeant George Graham, of Dorset Police, said: "The victim has been the subject of a very distressing sexual assault and she is being fully supported by specially trained officers.

"I would like to reassure members of the public that we have launched a detailed investigation into this incident and have been carrying out a number of enquiries. We are determined to identify the offender responsible and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward.

"We are urgently trying to identify the woman who found the victim and the female runner who stopped to help so we can take their accounts as they may have information that will assist us. I would ask these people, or any other witnesses, to please contact us immediately.

Teenager found not guilty of murdering James Cutting in Boscombe

"There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area as we carry out enquiries and officers can be approached by members of the community with any concerns."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55210076773, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.