GLOUCESTERSHIRE Police are investigating reports of a serious sexual assault in Cheltenham overnight.

Officers are currently speaking to the victim and an alleyway from the High Street to St Mary's Church in the town centre has been closed off for a forensic search. DS Nigel Hatten, the officer in charge of the case is appealing for witnesses.

"The attack is believed to have happened early yesterday evening and we are asking anyone who was in the area who might have seen or heard something to contact us on 101."