DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a 29-year-old woman was the victim of serious sexual attack.

The incident happened on a grass area next to Fort Pitt Hill, off New Road, Chatham, between 3.30am and 4am last Sunday.

Det Insp Gavin Moss, from Kent Police's Major Crime department, said: “Before the attack, the woman was approached by the man and they spoke for several minutes.

"They walked together along New Road down Hammond Hill to Sun Pier and then returned together to the Fort Pitt Hill area.

The woman became concerned and tried to leave the man’s company. She was then attacked and sexually assaulted.”

The attacker is described as a white man, about 25 years old, 5ft 7in tall, of stocky, muscular build, with cropped blond hair, a pale complexion and with a 4 inch scar on his left cheek.

He was of smart appearance, wearing light blue jeans, a yellow checked, short-sleeved, tight-fitting shirt with a logo on the back and a white T-shirt under the shirt. He spoke English with a non-British, possibly European accent.

The woman was wearing brown leather knee-high boots, a short dark green skirt with a belt, a white vest top with a brown cardigan, a brown furry waistcoat, a blue denim jacket and blue Nike shorts.

Acting Det Ch Insp John Coull, from Medway Police, said: "We would like to assure people living in and around the area that our local officers, alongside experienced detectives from Kent Police’s Major Crime department are actively pursuing a number of lines of investigation including house-to-house enquiries.

“We have increased the number of uniformed, plain clothed officers and PCSOs on the ground and we are working closely with Medway Council’s Community Street Team to prevent such crimes from happening.

Mr Moss added: “Prior to the attack, we know the woman spoke to two men, who are unconnected to the attack. After the assault, the woman went to New Road and spoke to a fourth man, also completely unconnected to the incident, who she described as being very considerate.

"We are keen to speak to these three men as they may have information which could help the investigation. We would like to assure anyone who comes to us with information, that they will be treated in absolute confidence.”

Anyone who may have seen the man and the woman around the time of the incident, or who think they recognise the man from the description, is asked to contact the Incident Room at Medway Police on 01634 792 492.Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free, you don’t have to leave your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.