A YOUNG woman was subjected to a terrifying attack when she was tied up and had diesel poured on her at a fairground in Tadley.

The 23-year-old victim had a plastic bag put on her head and was pulled to the ground. Then her wrists and ankles were bound and she felt liquid being poured on her.

The incident happened at the fair in Saunders Field, off Silchester Road, on Friday evening.

Police said they do not yet know the motive behind the attack, but they are hoping people who visited the fair on Friday night will provide further information.

The victim, from Thatcham in Berkshire, had been on the bumper cars with two friends, but had left them at around 9pm to find the toilets.

She was walking along the edge of the field, behind the waltzers, when she suddenly had a bag put over her head.

She believes the attack lasted about 10 minutes before she realised she was on her own and managed to get the bag off her head and attract help.

Detective Constable Allison Leaming, from Thames Valley Police, said: "This was an horrific attack which could have had serious consequences.

"Luckily, the victim was able to get the bag off her face and was found before the fair packed up for the night.

"She has no idea how many people were involved, but believes there was more than one.

"It is not clear why she was targeted and we need as much information as possible to help us trace the people responsible.

"Someone at the fair may have seen something which could be connected, and I ask anyone with suspicions about people they saw on Friday night to get in touch."

The victim was taken to Basingstoke hospital, but did not sustain serious injuries and is now recovering at home.

Anyone with any information should contact Det Con Leaming, through the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre, on 08458 505 505.