AN INTENSIVE police investigation is underway after a 14-year-old girl was raped as she walked home alone in Swindon.

Detectives want to speak to two women who they believe could provide crucial help in snaring the attacker.

The youngster had been visiting a friend and was walking along Cricklade Road in Gorse Hill at 11pm on July 11.

WPC Gail Knowles, a member of the 12-strong team investigating the rape, said when the girl reached the Argyle Street junction she noticed a man following her.

WPC Knowles said: "She became so concerned she went up to a house and knocked on the door. The door was answered by a white woman wearing a white dressing gown and the girl spoke to her. They noticed the man had disappeared, and the girl walked back along Cricklade Road, towards the Co-op."

It was when the girl reached Avening Street that the man re-appeared, WPC Knowles said. "He grabbed her by the arm and took her into an alleyway, and it was there that the rape took place," she said.

After the rape the attacker told the girl not to say anything to anybody before he made off towards Avening Street.

WPC Knowles said: "The girl ran into car park at the rear of the Co-op where she made a telephone call."

House-to-house inquiries have been made in the area of the attack. Police are especially keen to track down the woman in the dressing gown, as well as a woman of about 30 and wearing a white T-shirt who was sat on a bench near the Co-op.

"We would also remind young people of the dangers of walking alone late at night, and advise them to arrange lifts," said WPC Knowles.

The suspect is of Asian appearance, has an Asian accent, is about 20, 5ft 10ins tall and has short, black hair, a thin face, a thin jawline beard and slim moustache and a distinctive nose. He was wearing a black leather jacket, blue shirt, black trousers and black shoes.

Anyone who can help police should call WPC Knowles on Swindon 528111 or the confidential crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.