DETECTIVES are appealing for information after a serious sexual assault on a woman in Newport city centre.

Gwent Police believe the offence happened sometime between 3.30am and 4am this morning in the entrance of a locked car park off Queensway.

A force spokesperson said: "The victim, a woman in her 30s, was sexually assaulted by an unknown man. She is being supported by specialist officers.

"Detectives are investigating and are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen anything that could help with the investigation.

"They are particularly keen to speak with two women who helped the victim into a taxi after the alleged attack took place.

South Wales Argus:

"One woman is described as having short hair, while the other was wearing a black strapless top."

The assault happened in a disused area that once provided parking access to the left of the Admiral Building, when facing it, between the junctions for Cambrian Road and Station Street.

This afternoon at around 4pm, police officers used a spaniel sniffer dog in the area.

There were two police vehicles at the scene, one of which was from a forensic investigation unit.

Five officers were looking to gather evidence and the area had been cordoned off.

If you can help with their enquiries, please call Gwent Police on 101, quoting log 86 of 21/10/18.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.