POLICE are appealing for a witness to come forward in connection with an attempted rape.

On July 1, a woman in her 20s was attacked by a man as she was walking near the Bill Hill Park area of Easthampstead. She was able to fight him off and escape but he stole her handbag and its contents.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for a specific witness as part of its investigation into the attempted rape.

While officers were investigating the area, a member of the public approached one officer with a make-up bag he had located. The make-up bag actually belonged to the victim and led officers to the victim’s other stolen and discarded property.

Detective Constable Michele Green, investigating the offence, said: “We are very keen for the witness who found the make up bag to contact us to help as we continue with our investigation.

“He can call us on 101 quoting reference 53 1/7.”

A 26-year-old man from Bracknell has been arrested and charged in connection with this offence.