A MAN followed a 17-year-old girl and attacked her after they both got off a late night bus.

The girl had taken the number 14 service from the bus station to Eldene and got off in Eldene Drive close to Overbrook just after 11pm on Saturday.

Not long afterwards she became aware that a man who had got off the bus at the same time was following her. He tried to get her to talk to him, but when she refused, he threw her to the ground and forced her into some bushes.

She struggled and screamed for help, alerting people in nearby houses. They came to her aid and chased after the man who ran up the road towards Dorcan Way near the Snodshill roundabout. PC James Martin at Swindon CID said: "We are appealing for witnesses, in particular three other passengers who were believed to be travelling on the bus at the time.

"These people may have vital information which could assist the police in identifying the attacker."

He also asked anyone who might have been at the bus station and saw the man to contact detectives or Crimestoppers.

The attacker was white, about 6ft tall and of large build. He had a closely shaved head and a goatee beard and wore a white, short-sleeved T-shirt, white trainers and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to call Swindon CID on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.