A woman was punched and raped by a stranger in an alleyway in the early hours, say police.

Officers are reviewing CCTV after the reported attack happened in Sheerness at around 1am today.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was attacked in an alleyway between Alma Road and Berridge Road.

Police have said the suspect is white, of heavy build, balding and was wearing a dark grey hooded top and light grey trousers.

They are hoping to speak to anyone who may have seen anything.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: "We are making a number of enquiries and have already seized a significant amount of CCTV and gathered forensic evidence.

"Stranger incidents of this nature are rare and we are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation whilst supporting the victim throughout the process.

'Stranger incidents of this nature are rare...'

"I would ask people who were in the area in the early hours of Sunday, October 31 to review any dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage and contact us if they have captured images that will assist us in our enquiries.

"Alternatively, if anyone witnessed anything suspicious or has any information about the incident, please call the witness appeal line."

If anyone has information, contact Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference number 31-0112.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on its website.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness