POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in a Hampshire wood.

Officers have released an efit image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident, which occurred on the edge of the New Forest last Sunday.

A woman in her 40s was walking her dog through woodland near Marchwood Beach and Goatee Beach between 10.30am and 10.45am.

Police say she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her and also made offensive remarks before walking off in the direction of Eling.

The man is described as white, aged 30-35, 5ft 10ins, medium build, with short brown hair and unkempt facial hair. He was wearing baggy, worn jeans, white trainers and a plain khaki t-shirt.

A police spokesman said: "We are looking for any witnesses to come forward or anyone who recognises the description or efit image.

"We ask members of the public to continue to be vigilant, raise any concerns to us and to keep to areas that are not secluded."

Anyone with information should call Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44180188592.