Woods sex attack suspect bailed

A 40-year-old man arrested after an allegation of serious sexual assault in Chippenham has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

A girl was on her way home from school last Tuesday when she was attacked in woods near Hardenhuish Lane.

Wiltshire Police have set up an incident room and more than 40 officers are working on the case.

Officers have appealed to anyone who was in the area on the evening of 21 March to contact them.

Extra patrols

The girl said she was walking along the lane when she heard a "raised voice" coming from the undergrowth. When she went to investigate she was attacked.

The offender is described as white, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 11ins tall and aged in his 30s.

He had shaved dark hair with a small goatee beard and a snake-like tattoo on his left arm.

Ch Supt Paul Howlett said: "There will be an increased police presence at key times in the Hardenhuish Lane area that will continue throughout this week.

"We are mindful that there are a number of after-school evening activities taking place during the run up to the Easter school holiday."