THE man who was arrested after a girl was sexually assaulted in Worcester this morning has been released without charge.

The 33-year-old Worcester man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault following the attack in Tunnel Hill, which was reported to police just after 8am.

But West Mercia Police has confirmed the man was released later this afternoon without charge.

A police spokesman said:  "We understand that this incident is concerning and worrying for the local community and we are working with the victim and her family to ensure they are supported and cared for throughout this troubling time.

"A thorough and robust investigation into this incident has been launched and we are exploring all avenues to ensure the offender is brought to justice.

"We have increased our patrols in and around the area until further notice and ask anyone who saw anything suspicious at the time of the incident or since then to come forward to police as soon as possible."

The attacker was wearing a grey hooded top and blue tracksuit bottoms.

Police have also said they are not ruling out the possibility that the attack is linked to another in which a woman was raped in Worcester Woods Country Park, Nunnery Wood, between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on Thursday, July 9.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 105-s-170715.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual assault can also contact the Glade which offers a service to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the Worcestershire, Shropshire, Telford and Herefordshire areas. The 24-hour self-referral number is 0808 178 2058 and more information is available online at theglade.org.uk.

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre also provides a free, independent and confidential specialist support service for survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse either recent or non-recent.

For further information, contact the main office on 01905 611655 or email office@wmrsasc.org.uk.