Bridgeport police said Saturday that they are investigating an off-campus sexual assault allegation involving a Sacred Heart University student and former college athlete from the University of Connecticut. 

Early Saturday morning, authorities say a female student from Sacred Heart University walked into St. Vincent's emergency room and claimed that she had been sexually assaulted by an acquaintance identified only as a former UConn football player. 

Sacred Heart University is conducting its own investigation.

University officials released a statement that said in part, "Sacred Heart encourages any student who is a victim of sexual assault to file a report with the University. Once a report has been filed, the student is advised and supported by our sexual assault team, and we work closely with the police as warranted."