Police are hunting a man who they believe attacked a woman in a Swindon alleyway.

A woman of oriental appearance reported to a member of the public that she had been attacked in a back alley off Manchester Road, near Alfred Street.

The man immediately gave chase to the attacker, catching him in Alfred Street.

A brief struggle followed, but the attacker managed to run off again.

When the member of the public returned to the scene of the attack he discovered that the woman had disappeared.

The attacker is described as white, 6ft 2ins tall, in his mid 20s, with a medium to heavy build and short black hair.

He was wearing a maroon quilted cotton jacket and dark corduroy trousers.

This man may have sustained cuts and bruises to the right side of his face during the struggle, which happened at around 1am yesterday.

Police are appealing for the woman to come forward, as well as anyone who might have any information about the alleged attack, or who knows anyone fitting the description of the assailant.

If anyone has information they can call Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.