THE father of a young woman subjected to a frightening late-night sexual assault in Bournemouth says her attacker must be found before he strikes again.

Police have now released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in relation to the attack which, as reported in the Daily Echo, happened in the subway between Holdenhurst Road and the travel interchange at around 1.30am on Friday.

The victim, a 20-year-old Bournemouth University student who lives in Winton, was unexpectedly grabbed from behind by an unknown man and attacked.

Her father said she had been out with friends at The Old Fire Station and was walking to get a bus home.

He said: “It’s a lot more serious than what’s come out so far. Being a university town, it’s terrible. It’s a shame that the CCTV cameras are not better in that part of town.

“She’s a pretty hardy character but shock can be a weird thing, it can affect you days afterwards.

“It was almost disbelief when I heard it had happened.

“The guy is still on the loose and is going to do it again. He could have had a knife on him, she’s very lucky.

“It’s a warning for young girls – or young men for that matter – not to walk home by themselves. It’s not a good idea.

“This guy needs to be caught and off the streets for the safety of everyone in the area.”

The woman escaped the terrifying incident without any serious physical injuries, but was left badly shaken by her ordeal.

Detective Inspector Becky Riggs, of Bournemouth CID, pictured left, said: “This unprovoked attack has left the victim very shaken and frightened.

“Following further enquiries, I am now able to release two CCTV images of a man we believe could help us with our investigation.

“I would urge the man pictured – and anyone who recognises him – to contact me, in confidence, as soon as possible.”

No arrests have been made.

The subway links Asda and the travel interchange with Holdenhurst Road and Bournemouth town centre.

This incident is the second reported sex attack in Bournemouth in little over a month.

Anyone with information should telephone police on 101, quoting incident number 01:20, or use Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.