A YOUNG man has been raped by another man in a side street off the centre of Taunton.

Police are supporting the traumatised 23-year-old victim following the attack in Winchester Street.

They are appealing for information to the incident between 11pm on Saturday, March 10 and 2.15am the following morning.

Detective Sgt Matt Shaw said: “We’d like to speak to anyone who was in Winchester Street between the timeframe given, who may have seen or heard something suspicious or unusual.

“Specifically we want to identify two members of the public who we believe spoke to the victim.

“One man gave him directions to the nearby cricket club, while a second man tried to help him, as he had his belongings scattered around him on the ground. Are either of these men you?

“We’re fully supporting the victim and making sure he has access to any support he may need.”

If you can help with the appeal, call Taunton Police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5218052459.

If you don’t want to speak to the police, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111, or give information 100 per cent anonymously online here.