POLICE have identified a man they wanted to speak to after they appealed for help following an allegation of a serious sexual assault in Minehead.

They believed the man had information which could help their investigation into the incident, which happened near the Duke of Wellington public house, in Wellington Square, between midnight and 1 am on Sunday.

Police said the victim had been out with friends when a man sexually assaulted her.

They released a CCTV image of a man they wanted to speak to.

He was described as a white man, with short, light brown hair, a medium-length light brown beard, a moustache, and blue eyes, about 5 ft 5 ins tall, and was wearing a green and white llama Christmas jumper and tracksuit bottoms.

DI Claire Millington said: “This is a horrific incident in which a woman was seriously sexually assaulted while on a night out with friends.“

She has shown incredible strength and bravery in reporting this to us and we are ensuring she has access to any support services she needs.

“We would like to reassure the public that we believe this to be an isolated incident at this time, but would urge anyone who can help provide information, or witnessed this incident, to contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers using the reference number 5222295931.”

DI Millington said if someone was a victim of rape or sexual assault, they should always come forward, as it was never too late to report offences to police.

Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a sexual assault referral centre available 24/7, 365 days a year, by visiting the website www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk or calling 0117 342 6999.

They can also visit www.thisisnotanexcuse.org for details of charities and organisations which are expert in supporting victims.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted, which gives 100 per cent anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or via its anonymous online form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded, and callers will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.