Police are appealing for a 'significant witness', who they say may have information about an incident which took place in Shanklin last night (Wednesday).

Officers were called to a report of an assault, by the train station in Regent Street, at around 5.30pm.

  • Contact police on 101, quoting 44210014346
  • Or contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111
  • Or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

A woman in her 70s was grabbed by a man she did not know.

She screamed and the man ran off down a set of stairs, onto Landguard Road.

He is described as:

  • Around 6ft tall
  • Broad
  • Dark top with hood up
  • Dark mask
  • Dark trousers
  • Light-coloured trainers

Police say the woman walked along Landguard Road, passing a woman wearing a (possibly blue) bobble hat, walking a black and white dog.

Hampshire Constabulary says it wants to identify, and speak to, this dog-walker to see if she saw anything, or saw a man matching the description provided running down Landguard Road.

Inspector Rob Abel said: “The victim in this case was uninjured during this incident, but was left understandably shaken by what happened.

“Officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area, but we will also have officers conducting patrols over the next few days. If you see us and have any concerns, or information, do not hesitate to approach us.

“We want to urgently identify the dog-walker to see if she perhaps saw this man or anything significant that could help us.

“Was this you? Do you know someone matching this description who walks their dog in this area?

“We understand there were vehicles passing through the area at this time. We would like to hear from anyone who drove through this area, including the lower part of Regent Street approaching the train station, between 4.45pm and 5.30pm and perhaps saw the man involved in this incident or captured anything on Dash Cam.”