AN attacker sneaked up behind a woman and tried to kidnap her while she walked alone with her earphones on.

The 38-year-old woman was oblivious to the suspect coming behind her as she entered the path to the right of the Hoeford Inn public house, on Fareham Road, Gosport.

She had been walking along the path for about five minutes when she was grabbed.

Following a struggle, she fell into a bush before kicking out at the man, who ran back in the direction he came.

Detectives have today released details of the assault as they step up their investigating into the incident on a footpath behind Watersmeet, Fareham Creek, at about 4.20pm yesterday.

The suspect is white, in his late teens to early twenties, about six feet tall, mousey brown hair, down to his ears and was wearing a light-coloured top and blue jeans.

Detective Inspector Tara Williams, who is investigating the incident, said: “While the victim was physically unharmed, she was understandably very shaken by this incident.

“We would like to hear from anybody who uses that area to contact us if they have seen anything suspicious.

“We have more than 20 officers investigating this incident and working to identify the offender. House to house enquiries have been made and we have increased police patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”

Anyone with information can contact Fareham CID on 101 or call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.