TWO men sexually assaulted and robbed a woman in Gloucester.

The 34-year-old victim was approached by the duo as she walked along the bridge at the Peel Centre between 7.15-7.30pm.

Both of them were on bicycles at the time of the incident.

One of the men got off his cycle and asked the woman if she had any change.

She said 'no', but he then demanded her mobile phone.

The robber then pushed the woman to the ground, touched her inappropriately and stole £15 in cash and her Sony Ericsson mobile phone.

Community leaders have spoken of their shock.

Alan Myatt, Gloucester Town Crier, said: "The Peel Centre is not Gloucester city centre – it is a relatively safe place.

"It is the first time I have heard about such an incident taking place there.

"I am surprised because I would frequent the Peel Centre cinema and restaurants and I always feel secure.

"There are usually lots of people around that area at night.

"I am sorry to hear this took place. and hope the woman is okay."

Terrible

The robber was described as black, around 5ft 9" tall, in his early 20s, and of stocky build.

He was wearing a grey hoody with a white emblem on the breast and dark coloured jogging bottoms.

City resident Paul Birch, 49, who lives off Westgate Street, said: "It sounds like a terrible incident and my heart goes out to the victim.

"I think a lot of people get angry about things like this, I hope they don't get away with it.

"We don't want that area to get a bad reputation, it's seen as pretty decent at the moment."

Police said fear of attack is often far greater than the actual risk, but there are simple measures which everyone can take to help protect themselves.

That includes telling people where you are, and sticking to well lit areas.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Gloucestershire police on 101, quoting incident number 417 of February 9.

You can also give information anonymously by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More information on personal safety can be found at http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk.