THE hunt has been escalated for a group of men involved in a “serious sexual assault” on a young man as he walked home in the early hours.

Officers are continuing to gather evidence, including reviewing CCTV, following the attack on Sunday morning, now confirmed to have taken place in Fort Royal Park, Worcester, rather than Fort Royal Hill.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in his 20s and was attacked between 3am and 4am by “four or five men” a spokesman for West Mercia Police said yesterday.

“Several people have attacked him at once,” he continued.

“We are not linking this to anything else that happened in the day,” he added, referring to the Worcester Pride event which took place in The Cornmarket.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police officers at 5.26am and medical staff are understood to have treated the patient at his home for his injuries, including a head wound.

The patient was discharged at the scene by paramedics who left at 6.53am, an ambulance spokesman added.

Detective Sergeant Dan Fenn said on Sunday: “The victim received several injuries including a head wound for which he received medical treatment by paramedics.

“We are providing close support to him and his family from specially trained officers.

“While incidents like this are extremely rare, extra patrols are in the area today supporting and reassuring the local community and an investigation is underway to find these men and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with any information that could help police with their enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 163s of September 22.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sexual assault victims can receive support from the free Victim Advice Line via victimadviceline.org.uk.