POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in a churchyard.

The attack took place between 1am and 4am on Sunday morning in the cemetery at St Martin's Church, in Micklegate, York.

The 36-year-old victim had been drinking in the Reflex bar with two friends. She left the bar at about 1am with a man who took her to the churchyard and attacked her.

The woman is described as white, 5ft 6in, with blonde, wavy, highlighted hair. She was wearing black trousers, a jacket and a white polo shirt.

Her attacker is described as white, aged between 26 and 30, about 5ft 11in, stocky with black, spiky, gelled hair and a smooth complexion. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and dark trousers.

A police spokesman said: "A group of men were thought to have been in the vicinity at the time and enquires are ongoing as to whether they were involved."

In August, a woman was raped in St Oswald's churchyard, in York, by a man wearing a hooded top.

Police say it is too early to say if the incidents are connected.

Anyone with information is urged to call 0845 60 60 247.