NORTHUMBRIA Police have launched an investigation to identify a man who grabbed a woman on a footpath in Gateshead.

At about 8.20pm on Thursday (February 25) a 40-year-old woman was walking on the Ash Path, a footpath at the end of Green Lane near to the Aldi and Lidl stores in Pelaw.

She was then approached by a man she did not know who grabbed and sexually assaulted her.

The woman was able to kick the man before fleeing the scene uninjured before she called police.

Her trousers were ripped in the incident.

She was left very shaken by the assault and has received support from police who have now launched an investigation.

The man responsible has been described as white, around 5ft 9in tall and with dark hair.

He is described as smelling dirty and being scruffy in appearance.

He was also wearing a black waist length Puffer jacket and had a local accent.

Police understand that this alleged sexual assault will be very concerning for the community but it's being dealt with very seriously.

They will be targeting high visibility patrols in the area to try and identify this man but also to offer reassurance to residents.

Police have issued the following reminder - to always stay vigilant if you’re walking alone but officers will be there to ensure you feel safe.

Enquiries are ongoing but if you have any information regarding who this man might be, please get in touch.

You can either call 101, or report it online via their website, quoting log 1084 25/02/21.