A woman was the victim of a serious sexual assault in Sidmouth, according to reports received by the police.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said a woman in her late teens told police she was assaulted and subjected to a serious sexual assault by an unknown male in the early hours of Sunday morning (June 30).

The incident was reported to have happened between midnight and 12.45am on a footpath running from Heydons Lane to May Terrace.

The area was cordoned-off until Sunday afternoon as police enquiries took place.

Detective Inspector Dawn Perriam said: "This is an isolated and extremely rare incident and a thorough police investigation is under way."

Police investigations are continuing.

Witnesses, or anyone with information on the incident, are asked to contact police on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference number CR/057720/19.