UPDATE February 7: Following detailed enquiries, including viewing extensive CCTV footage and further conversations with the woman, Wiltshire Police now does not believe a crime was committed. 

Detectives investigating a report of a serious sexual assault in Warminster overnight have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Police were called to the Market Place in the town at around 8.15am this morning after a member of the public found a woman who was in distress.

A police spokesman said: “Although our enquiries are at an early stage, we believe she was the victim of a serious sexual assault and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The victim is currently being supported.”

Detective Chief Inspector Darren Hannant added: “We currently have officers in attendance in the Market Place and an investigation is underway.

“At this stage we are unsure when the incident took place but it was at some time during the night; the police were called shortly after 8am this morning.

“We want to hear from anyone who was in the town last night or during the early hours of this morning and may have noticed anything suspicious. If you have any information which could assist our enquiries, then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call Salisbury CID on 101, quoting log 80 of today.