A PENSIONER has been left "shocked and traumatised" after a sickening attack in which she was assaulted, robbed and sexually abused.

The woman in her 60s, who has not been identified, had arrived at her Poole home in the early hours of Friday morning following a short walk from a nearby bus stop when a man unexpectedly approached her demanding money.

He then punched her in the face and forced his way into her home, where he sexually assaulted her before stealing items of personal property and escaping.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack, which they believe to be an isolated incident, and a full inquiry is being carried out by the Major Crime Investigation Team.

Det Chief Insp Neil Redstone, who is heading the investigation, said the lady had got off a bus near the Safeway store in Ashley Road, Parkstone, at 12.30am and walked along Richmond Road and St Osmunds Road, pulling a small, noisy wheeled travelling case.

Her route took her over the railway bridge in St Osmunds Road.

DCI Redstone added: "I believe that this attacker followed his victim from the Ashley Road area to her home, and it's very important that I hear from anyone who saw the woman - possibly being followed by a man - to contact the police urgently."

The woman is 5ft 7ins tall and was wearing a blue anorak and dark-coloured trousers. Her attacker is about 21 to 24 years old, about 5ft 8ins tall, of slim, proportionate build with light to medium brown, well-groomed neat and tidy hair. He is well-spoken with a local accent and the victim described him as good looking with regular features.

Det Chief Insp Redstone said: "We don't know where he went afterwards but it's possible he may have returned to the Ashley Road area.

"If you saw this man at any time between 10.30pm on Thursday night and the early hours of Friday morning please contact us.

"I'd also like to hear from anyone with any other information that might help me find this man. Perhaps you recognise him from the description or it may be that a friend, colleague or family member has been acting strangely since that time."

Anyone with information should call 01202 222500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.