A WOMAN was subjected to a serious sexual assault as she walked through an alleyway in Andover.

At sometime between 2.30pm and 7.45pm on Monday, 26 November the woman, aged in her 40s, was walking through a covered alleyway which runs through Winton Court in the Heath Vale area of Andover.

She walked past a man who forced her into the garden of a derelict building where she was assaulted.

The woman lost consciousness and suffered bruising and cuts to her face during the incident. She is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

The area of Heath Vale has been cordoned off to allow specialist officers to conduct their enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Murray said: “This was a serious, unprovoked attack on a lone woman. “The victim is conscious in hospital and is being treated for her injuries. She has also been left extremely distressed by what has happened to her.

“I am appealing for anyone with any information that could help our inquiry to get in touch as soon as possible. “We need to hear from anyone who was in the Heath Vale area between 2.30pm and 7.45pm on Monday who may have seen anything unusual. “Did you see anyone hanging around the area? Did you see or hear anything that could be related to this attack?

“As always I would urge members of the community to be vigilant when out walking alone and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.”

Chief Inspector Simon Dodds added: “We are working closely with the investigation team and our local Safer Neighbourhoods officers are out and about in the area should anyone have any concerns.”

Anyone with any information should contact Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team at Andover police station quoting Operation Weavers on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.