OFFICERS investigating a serious sexual assault on a young man as he walked home in the early hours are “exploring all avenues” as information continues to come in.

West Mercia Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward following the incident on Sunday morning in Fort Royal Park, Worcester.

Up to five men are understood to have attacked the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, but who is in his 20s, between 3am and 4am.

As reported yesterday, officers are reviewing CCTV, with the incident having initially said to have taken place in Fort Royal Hill.

Speaking to the Worcester News yesterday, a spokesman said: “We are investigating reports of a serious sexual assault and we are looking for any information people have got.

“At the moment, we are exploring all avenues because there’s a lot of information that’s come in and we are processing it.”

As previously reported, the police have confirmed they are “not linking this to anything else that happened in the day”, referring to the Worcestershire Pride event which took place in The Cornmarket.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by police officers at 5.26am and medical staff are understood to have treated the patient at his home for his injuries, including a head wound.

The patient was discharged at the scene by paramedics who left at 6.53am, an ambulance spokesman added.

Detective Sergeant Dan Fenn said on Sunday: “The victim received several injuries including a head wound for which he received medical treatment by paramedics.

“We are providing close support to him and his family from specially trained officers.

“While incidents like this are extremely rare, extra patrols are in the area today supporting and reassuring the local community and an investigation is underway to find these men and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with any information that could help police with their enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 163s of September 22.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sexual assault victims can receive support from the free Victim Advice Line via victimadviceline.org.uk.