POLICE have launched a fresh search for witnesses to a sexual assault in woodland off Sandling Lane, Maidstone (Rob Bailey writes).

A 53-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and robbed of her purse as she walked in daylight towards shops at Penenden Heath on Wednesday last week.

Between 2.15pm and 3pm, a man approached her from behind, forced her over a fence into some woods and assaulted her. This week Maidstone and Malling Police released an E-fit picture of the attacker.

Officers also carried out road checks on Wednesday in the hope of finding someone who had driven past a week before and been a witness.

Similar checks a week before were described as a success by the police and two men have been interviewed about the incident. One man was bailed pending further investigations.

The offender was aged 20 to 25 years old, of medium build and had short or shaven fair hair. He had pale skin and freckles on his arms. He was wearing pale blue jeans, a white round-neck T-shirt and a thick brown belt.

The assault happened on the route walked by many children on their way to Sandling Primary School, in Ashburnham Road.

The school sent out a letter to parents after the attack, reassuring them that it was an "isolated incident" but recommending that children walk in pairs, small groups or with an adult on Sandling Lane.

Anyone with information about the crime should contact Maidstone and Malling Police's incident room on 01622 608189 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.