A man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault after a woman was inappropriately touched in Codicote.

It was reported that at around 4pm yesterday (April 8), a man inappropriately touched a woman who was out running through a field off Rabley Heath Road.

Police attended the scene and at around 5.20pm, the suspect was located in North Ride, Welwyn.

A 20-year-old man, from Welwyn, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He remains in police custody at this time.

"I appreciate this news will be alarming, particularly to women, but I hope the quick arrest reassures you that we take reports of this nature extremely seriously," said Detective Sergeant Ian Smith, from the North Herts Local Crime Unit.

"We have launched an investigation and I am keen to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information that might be able to help us.

"Please get in touch with any information you might have by emailing me at ian.smith@herts.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/28071/24."

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/28071/24.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.