A TERRIFIED woman was forced to run onto a roof to escape after a man smashed his way into her house and attacked her, police said.

Residents have spoken of their shock after the early hours assault at a property in Weymouth town centre.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man allegedly broke into the 35-year-old woman’s home and attacked her. A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Police said it happened at around 3.45am on Sunday, September 27 in East Street and officers now wish to speak with late-night revellers who were passing and may have seen what happened and can help the investigation.

A man allegedly smashed an upstairs window and forced entry to the property before attacking the woman.

Officers said the woman managed to escape by running onto the roof of a bay window.

Detective Constable Rhys Griffiths, of Weymouth CID, said: “I am aware that there were a number of people in the area at the time of the incident and I’m appealing to those witnesses, who we haven’t yet spoken with, to contact me on 101.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Officers have said that the victim and the alleged offender are known to each other.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said the victim, a 35-year-old local woman, sustained facial injuries as a result of the incident and was taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment. Significant damage was caused to the property during the incident.

Cllr Francis Drake, spokesman for community safety, said: "I am quite shocked by this incident.

"This is what we should be pushing, to make sure people are safe in their own homes. "I feel sorry for the lady. We don't want this happening in Weymouth. It is up to the police to investigate this now and take it forward."

Angela Moss, 57, who lives in the town centre said: "I am always out and about in the town and I live just round the corner.

"You wouldn't think this would happen on your doorstep. I am really shocked. I hope the woman is okay, my thoughts go out to her. It must have been a horrible experience."

Kevin Pierce, 62, who lives on East Street, said: "I can't even imagine how the lady must have felt. What a horrible incident. Everybody knows everybody round here but this is the first I have heard of it. I hope anyone who saw anything will come forward and help the police."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 27:87. Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police said a 35-year-old Exeter man has been arrested and has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted burglary.