A WOMAN was subjected to a sex attack next to children’s rides early in the morning on Weymouth beach.

Police combed the sand next to the roundabout ride opposite Bond Street yesterday after being alerted to the assault.

A 19-year-old man was arrested and is helping police with inquiries.

The attack took place just after 5am as the last revellers were leaving town centre clubs.

Shocked seafront staff arrived for work to find the steps and part of the beach sealed off as police searched for evidence.

Holly Sarginson, sales assistant at the 47 EDZ shop facing the beach, said the attack is a reminder for girls to be careful.

She said: “When I came to work there were police there and everybody has been wondering what it was.

“It’s disgusting.”

Shop manager Sam Roots was shocked as it’s the first sex attack in the town she has heard of.

She said: “They had police tape at the steps and walkway and pretty much around the whole of the children’s play area.

She added: “I’ve always felt it was a safe place as it’s a small little seaside town.

“It’s not nice, being a female it puts you on edge.

“And it’s strange being on a Thursday night or Friday morning.

“On a weekend night you are more on your guard.”

Yesterday morning different rumours begun to circulate in the town centre with some people believing a body was found on the sand.

Another was of a woman being attacked by four men.

But police confirmed it was a sexual assault claim involving one male suspect and after making the arrest they said they are not looking for anyone else.

Officers said the victim is aged in her late 20s.

One early morning onlooker, who asked not to be named, saw the police arrive.

He said: “After they cordoned off that part of the beach they were doing their forensics next to the children’s roundabout.”

Barman Tom Ashe arrived at work at The Dorothy Inn to see the police across the road on the beach.

“It’s awful,” he said.

“You don’t expect it on Weymouth beach.”

A Dorset Police spokesman confirmed officers are investigating allegations of a sexual assault on the beach at the Esplanade in Weymouth.

She added: “A 19-year-old man from the Dorchester area was arrested and is helping officers with their inquiries.

“Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.”

Any witnesses and anyone with information can call Dorset Police on 01305 222222.