POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was raped at the roadside in darkness after being surrounded by a gang of masked men.

The “harrowing” attack took place on the A40 Brecon Road just outside Crickhowell in the early hours of Tuesday, July 27 near the primary school.

Dyfed Powys Police said the victim was walking along the A40 around 4am when she was approached by three men, one of whom grabbed hold of her and raped her.

The man who carried out the assault is described as tall and was wearing a baseball cap, a black face mask, and black Adidas trainers that were shiny on the side.

He was possibly in his late teens or early 20s.

There is no description available for the other two men, other than they were also wearing black face masks.

Anyone who saw any men matching this description in the area between 3.45am and 4.30am on the morning of Tuesday, July 27 is asked to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Rowe, who is leading the investigation, said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in the Dyfed-Powys area.

"We have specialist officers supporting the victim, and her welfare is our focus.

"Extensive enquiries are being conducted, and the public will have seen an increased presence of police officers in the last couple of days in Crickhowell as we investigate this harrowing incident.

"I appeal to anyone with any information that could help our investigation to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information that could help officers is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference DP-20210727-024.