DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a 65-year-old woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in Basingstoke at the weekend. The attack took place between 10pm on Saturday, and 3am on Sunday. The woman has told police she was approached by a man at the Top of the Town who walked with her and then dragged her into an alleyway and seriously sexually assaulted her. He walked off and she walked towards Festival Place. The victim is around 5ft 5ins tall and was wearing a distinctive blue and white jacket with stripes running vertically down each arm at the time of the incident. The man is described as mixed race, aged between 28 and 35, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins and of muscular, stocky build, with black, curly hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a jacket. Detective Constable Catherine Stacey, of Basingstoke CID, said police were taking the allegation seriously. She said: “The town would have been busy. We want to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity late on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning or anyone who recognises the description of the man. “We would remind people to avoid walking alone at night when possible and stick to well lit and populated areas.” Anyone with information about the incident should contact Det Con Stacey at Basingstoke police station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.