A SEX attacker is being hunted after a woman was the victim of an early morning indecent assault in a phone box in Basingstoke.

The victim, who is in her early 20s, was targeted by the attacker outside the One Stop shop in Carmichael Way, Brighton Hill.

The woman was assaulted around 12.40am on Tuesday. She was taken to Basingstoke hospital following the incident but was released after treatment.

Yesterday afternoon, detectives were interviewing the victim to piece together more details of exactly what happened.

After the alarm was raised, the police cordoned off a 20 metre by five metre area where the assault took place. The telephone box in that area was also taped off for forensic examination.

Speaking yesterday, Detective Constable Ben Snuggs, of Basingstoke CID, said the exact details of what happened were unclear but added that some shouting was heard.

He said: "We are investigating the area around the phone box. We are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and are looking for potential witnesses to come forward.

"That area is a thoroughfare and we would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything at the time.

"I will be talking to the victim again later this afternoon. This was a very nasty incident."

As part of the search for clues, the police have carried out a leaflet drop in the area, appealing for information.

Anyone who can help the inquiry into the attack is asked to contact Basingstoke CID on 0845 045 45 45.

Alternatively, callers can ring the 24-hour Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.