POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the sexual assault of an elderly woman.

At around 2pm yesterday (Friday), in Stoke Poges, an 83-year-old woman was approached in the driveway by a man, who told her he was from the council. The woman challenged him for identification, and he told her he would return to his car to get it.

Shortly afterwards, however, the man returned to the victim's driveway and sexually assaulted the woman. He then left the scene. The victim received minor injuries, but did not require hospital treatment.

The attacker is described as a man with a dark complexion, of average height, with short hair. He was aged in his thirties or forties, and was wearing a grey T-shirt.

He was driving a silver or grey car.

The investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Messenger, said: “This was clearly a traumatic incident for the victim, and she is being supported by specially trained officers.

“This type of offense is rare, and a team of officers is investigating the incident. Members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are carried out.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident to please contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting URN 700 (24/8).”

You can also report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.