POLICE are appealing for information after a 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Saffron Walden.

The incident happened on Debden Road at the junction with Station Road at 8pm last Wednesday (January 2) and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time.

The woman was walking alone towards the town centre when she heard footsteps behind her becoming quicker. She was assaulted by a man who put his hand up her skirt and grabbed her inappropriately. The victim screamed and her attacker fled towards West Road.

The suspect is described as white, of medium build and about 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall with no obvious facial hair. He was wearing a dark grey or black hooded jacket and his hood was up obscuring the view of his face. He was also wearing a grey scarf and dark trousers.

Sgt Chris Sharp, of Saffron Walden Police, said the incident was unusual for the area and asked anyone with information about the assault to contact Crimestoppers or officers at Saffron Walden Police Station on 101.

“We are hoping someone might have seen the suspect running away from the scene and would be keen to speak to anyone with information,” he said.