POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses after a young woman was allegedly raped by two men.

Detectives revealed the 23-year-old woman was walking home alone in Newton after a night out when she claims she was attacked by two men.

She had chatted to both men briefly in Rose's Bar earlier that evening.

The attack happened on February 5, yet police did not release details until last Tuesday.

A police spokesman said details were withheld from the media because police had been following several strong lines of inquiry.

Between 7pm and 10pm on the night of the attack the victim, who was out with a group of friends, began talking to a man who was playing pool in Rose's Bar, Earle Street.

She chatted to him both inside and outside the bar before returning to her friends. Later in the evening she "very briefly" spoke with a second man.

At about 10.30pm the woman decided to go home. She was walking along Back Cross Lane, off Crow Lane, when she was approached from behind by the second man she had talked to in the bar.

He pushed her against the wall and raped her. The first man she had spoken to in the bar then also raped her.

Neither of the men was known to the woman and now police are hoping that potential witnesses can cast their minds back to the start of February.

Detective Constable Barbara Davies said: "This has been an extremely distressing experience for the victim, who has been left feeling very vulnerable and we are determined to trace those responsible as soon as possible.

"I would like to reassure residents that this kind of assault remains rare and our investigations will be thorough.

"I would urge anyone who thinks they may recognise the descriptions of the offenders to come forward. Were you drinking with them that evening? Did you see them in the area either before or since?"

The first offender is described as white, 5ft 7ins tall, 20 to 25 years old and of thin build.

He had short dark hair, a chipped front tooth, and was wearing blue jeans. He also had a gold ring on his right hand.

The second man was aged about 17 to 18 years old and of a slim to medium build.

He had dark shaven hair, a round face with red cheeks and a poor complexion.

He had dark eyes, bushy eyebrows and was wearing a dark blue hooded top and dark Reebok trainers.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.