Police are hunting a man who pulled a woman into an alleyway and sexually assaulted her.
The 23-year-old victim was attacked in Ashby Road, near to Roseberry Way, Loughborough.
A man approached her and pushed her into an alleyway where he carried out the assault.
The woman's screams alerted a group of men who came to her aid.
The attack happened between 2.30am and 3.30am on Thursday, June 13. Police released details today and urged witnesses, particularly the group of four men – who said they were students – to come forward.
Detective Constable Nick Evans, who is investigating the incident said: "This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim which has left her understandably very shaken.
"Incidents like this are incredibly rare and I would like to reassure members of the public that we are carrying out extensive inquiries to try to locate the offender.
"I am particularly keen to speak to the four men who came to help the victim during the incident.
"I believe this group could have vital information which will help with our inquiries.
"I would like to stress that they are by no means suspects in the investigation – I want to speak to them to see if they can pass on any information which will help us trace the offender.
"If you know who this group was, or indeed if it was you, please contact me as soon as you can."
The attacker was described as white, 5ft 10ins to 6ft, with a neatly trimmed full beard and of a "fat, muscular but fleshy" build.
Contact Det Con Evans on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
