Police are investigating a serious sex assault in an area round Folkestone harbour.

They sealed off land between The Durlocks, North Street and Radnor Street, following claims of the alleyway attack yesterday, between Dyke Road and The Durlocks.

Forensic officers carried out extensive searches while other officers spoke to people living in the area. The roads were sealed off from around 7.30am until late afternoon yesterday.

Rumours in the town were that a woman had been attacked by four men, but a police spokesman could not confirm that.

Det Insp Trevor Fleming said: "Police are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault which occurred in an alleyway running between The Durlocks and Dyke Road just after midnight on Monday.

"The investigation team would be interested in speaking to anyone who was in the area at the time and in particular anyone who saw a group of males around the area of the yacht club in North Street." The incident is being investigated by a major crime team.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01622 690690 or their local neighbourhood officer.

Last month a teenager was the victim of a serious sexual assault in the Sunny Sands area. Police are still investigating that, but say it is not linked to Monday's incident.