Police are stepping up patrols along a popular footpath in Cheltenham after fears it has become a "rat-run" for criminals.

Action is being taken following a serious sex attack and a spate of burglaries on or near the Honeybourne Line.

Detectives have also promised to monitor the town's hardcore criminal fraternity – especially those who have just been released from jail.

The route, popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, has already benefited from extra lighting and some CCTV – but councillors are now saying it may need more.

Police revealed on Monday a 24-year-old woman had been sexually assaulted while walking her dog on the route.

The attacker, a man wearing a black hoodie with a white scarf around his face, assaulted the victim at about 9pm on October 26. He was described as white, in his 20s, and 5ft 5in tall. The incident, which happened off Malvern Road, near to the park on the line, was reported to police on Friday.

It has also been revealed a number of homes have been raided in the area in recent months, including addresses in Kensington Avenue and Glencairn Park Road.

Inspector John Roberts, of Cheltenham town centre's policing team, said: "The Honeybourne Line traditionally has been a difficult set-up.

"You have this tract of land that goes right through the town. Because it's not very well-used in parts, some people are vulnerable.

"We have also suffered a spate of burglaries along it in recent months. It appears criminals are using it as a rat-run.

"We're often discovering discarded items from burglaries along the line. That's why it's becoming a focus for our patrols – which we're going to increase, especially around dusk.

"We will also target people who we think might be responsible, especially those who've just been released from prison."

The route, which runs from the town's railway station to the racecourse, via the Prince of Wales Stadium in St Paul's and Pittville, has caused safety concerns before.

An 18-year-old Cheltenham woman was raped while walking her dog along the line, from the railway station towards Cheltenham Ladies' College, in 1990.

Borough councillor John Rawson (LD, St Peter's) said: "I'll also be calling on police to step up activity. It would be a pity if people became apprehensive about walking there.

"There have been concerns over the years about vandalism, but not about violence or burglaries.

"We must do whatever we can now to reduce the risks for people, whether that's more cameras or better lighting. We need to look at it."