A YOUNG woman was sexually assaulted in Middlesbrough at the weekend.

The victim, in her 20s, was walking home along Woodlands Road, near Teesside University, at about 2am on Saturday following a night out when she was approached by a man who tried to speak to her.

He then grabbed the victim and sexually assaulted her before running off along Victoria Road.

Detective Sergeant Dave Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: “This would have been a busy time of night and I urge anyone who believed they know who this man is, to contact us.

“I particularly want to speak to anyone who was in the Southfield Road and Borough Road area at around 2am and believes they have witnessed anything related to this incident.

“The victim is extremely shaken and distressed; we have a number of detectives working on this investigation and will be exploring all lines of enquiry.”

The man is described as white, possibly in his mid 20s, around 5ft 5 inches tall with receding hair. He was wearing light jeans and a black top.

Anyone with information should contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

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