A TEENAGE girl has been left "upset and disturbed" after she was sexually assaulted in Poole town centre, detectives have said.

The 16-year-old was attacked by a man who followed her down an alleyway behind the Kingland Road bus station, forcing himself on her after she refused his advances.

The incident happened at around 11.45pm on Monday night, after the girl spoke to two men outside the fish and chip shop at the station.

Detective Constable Paul Harburn, of Poole CID, said: "The teenager gave the two men a cigarette in exchange for a light and a third man then approached her.

"The girl then walked through the alleyway to the service road at the rear of the bus station and sat down on the kerb. The two men then walked through the same alleyway, closely followed by the third man."

The two men walked off and the third man sat on the kerb next to the girl.

"He attempted to kiss her, and when she rejected his advances, he sexually assaulted her," said Det Con Harburn.

The third man, whom the police would like to talk to, is described as being white, tanned, between 5ft 2in and 5ft 4in tall, in his late 20s, with a strong jawline, blue eyes and light hair tied back in a pony-tail.

He was wearing dark trousers, a light-coloured t-shirt and white trainers.

Det Con Harburn said: "This was a very upsetting and disturbing experience for the young woman.

"We do not believe that the first two men that the teenager spoke to at the fish and chip shop are involved, but they are essential witnesses in identifying the girl's attacker and I'm appealing for them to come forward and contact the police in confidence."

Any other witnesses or anyone else with any information about the incident is also asked to contact the police.

"It may be that there were people using the nearby pubs and restaurants who may have seen something at the time and thought nothing of it, but now realise that it could be important," said Det Con Harburn.

Call Dorset Police on 01202 222555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

First publication: August 18