A MAN slapped a woman in the face and sexually assaulted her in a daylight attack near a Hampshire cemetery.

Police are investigating the incident, which happened on a path behind Worting Road Cemetery on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old woman was approached at about 10.30am by a man in a black hooded top who attacked her before her dog bit him.

He is described as being a white male, aged in his late teens or early 20s, and was about five feet nine inches tall.

Detective Constable Dan Leese, of Basingstoke CID, said: “This is a rare incident to take place in Basingstoke, and we would like anyone with information about what happened to contact us as soon as possible.

“It took place during the day, on a busy footpath that leads to a footbridge over the ring road.

“Were you in the area at this time? Did you see a man wearing a black hooded top? If so, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Dan Leese on 101 and quote reference number 44160241704.