A WOMAN was raped in an early morning attack.

Police said the woman was attacked when she was walking along a pathway near to Bromyard Road, St Johns at 3.45am on Thursday.

Officers have not revealed the exact location of the attack.

The suspect is described as an adult white man.

Detective Sergeant Shelley Orr said: "I know that news of this incident will be alarming to the local community; I would like to reassure people that a thorough investigation is underway and officers are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in order to locate the offender.

"Reassurance patrols have also been increased in the locality.

"The woman involved is being supported by specially-trained officers."

Investigating officers would like to speak to anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident, or to anyone who has any information that could help with enquiries.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident 34s of 21 September 2017. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault, whether this happened recently or some years ago, is encouraged to call West Mercia Police on 101 to speak to specialist officers.

Alternatively, victims can speak to The Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), a specialist centre which provides a service of care to women and men who have been raped or sexually assaulted in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. For more information call 0808 178 2058 or visit theglade.org.uk