A WOMAN was sexually assaulted in a “horrible” late-night attack.

Police say a man approached a woman on Southcliff Road, Southampton, at about 2am, and tried to touch her under her clothes.

He was then seen running off towards Dover Street or Liverpool Street.

The man is described as being white with an unwashed complexion, and was aged between 35 and 55 and between five feet six inches and five feet nine inches tall.

He was large and slightly overweight, had silver or white medium-length hair and a wiry, untidy silver or white medium-length beard.

Detective Constable David Jackson from the Western Investigations Team said: “We are appealing directly to anyone who witnessed this incident.

“Were you out in Southampton on Friday night and did you seen anyone as described?

"Or were you in the vicinity of Southcliff Road, Dover Street and Liverpool Street?

“We would like to hear from you.

“This was a horrible incident that happened to a young woman who was walking home with a friend after a night out. I believe someone will know this man.

“Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of their personal safety when out at night in Southampton.

“When it’s late, consider taking a licensed taxi home, even if it’s just a 10 minute walk and prepare beforehand by keeping some money aside for this.

“Keep your phone on you and be aware of your surroundings.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 and quote crime reference number 44160143749 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.