DETECTIVES have launched an investigation into a sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman.

The attack happened sometime between 12.20am and 1am on Tuesday in Canterbury.

Police say a man approached the woman and took her into an alleyway running off St George's Place where he assaulted her.

The victim contacted a family member who took her to the city's police station to report the incident.

Detectives are particularly keen to hear from a woman the victim was seen speaking to between 12.10am and 12.20am. The woman is described as white, in her late teens or early 20s, with dark hair. She was wearing a red backless dress.

The woman, or anyone else with information, is asked to contact Det Sgt Andy Amor at Canterbury Police Station on 01227 868117.