POLICE are appealing for two men to come forward as key witnesses to a possible sexual assault in Colchester.

Officers were flagged down by the two men shortly before 4.30am today after they had come across a 17-year-old Colchester girl near Vineyard Street Car Park who was in distress.

Following a conversation with the girl, officers arrested three other men who were in the vicinity on suspicion of sexual assault.

A 27-year-old man, a 41-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, all from the town, are currently being questioned by detectives.

In the meantime, officers would like the original two men who first stopped them to contact them again in order to help establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation.

Anyone with information in connection with this incident is urged to contact detectives at Colchester police station on 0300 333 4444.