AN elderly woman has been sexually assaulted in Bromsgrove.

The woman, aged over 70, was sexually assaulted in the Marlbrook area of Bromsgrove on Tuesday morning.

The incident took place between 11am and 11.30am when a man knocked on the woman's front door and asked to enter the house.

He then proceeded to sexually assault her before he left in the direction of the Old Birmingham Road.

Detective Inspector Justin Taylor, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is undoubtedly a concerning incident for the victim as well as the local community however I would like to offer my assurances that a thorough and robust investigation is underway.

"We are working to identify the offender as quickly as possible and ask if anyone saw any suspicious activity in or around the Old Birmingham Road at the time of the incident to contact police.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the bravery of the victim in reporting this traumatic incident to police.

"We are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure she is fully supported and looked after by specially trained officers throughout the investigation.

"As always we would like to remind the local community to be mindful when answering the door to strangers.

"If you feel unsure or uncomfortable you don't have to answer the door, you can always ask them to come back when you have a friend or relative with you."

If you have any information which could assist this investigation please contact police by calling the non-emergency number 101 and quoting the incident reference 203 of the 3rd May.

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can be reassured that if they choose to come forward to police they will be treated in a caring and sensitive manner.

Specially trained officers and dedicated independent sexual advisors will give them all the support they can.

You can also get in touch with the West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) which provides a free, independent and confidential specialist support service for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse either recent or non-recent.

For further information contact their main office on 01905 611655 or email: office@wmrsasc.org.uk

The Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers a service to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas.

The 24-hour self-referral number is 0808 178 2058 with more information available at www.theglade.org.uk/