A woman was allegedly assaulted near a Dorset railway station.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward as they release details of the incident.

It is reported that between 12.30pm and 2pm on Saturday, December 9, a woman was assaulted by a man near to the train station in Station Yard, Gillingham.

The man and woman were carrying a small white dog at the time of the incident.

Officers attended and a 35-year-old man from Blandford – who is known to the victim – was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

PC James Owen, of North Dorset police, said: “I am continuing to investigate the incident and would ask anyone who saw any suspicious activity involving a man and woman in the area to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230193336. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.