Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a sexual assault in Stevenage last night (Thursday).

At 6.30pm a woman in her late 20s crossing the footbridge between Tesco and the Old Town was approached from behind by a man who put his hands under her skirt and touched her.

The offender is described as white, aged between 20 and 30 years old and between 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall with a slim build. He is said to have “some colour to his skin” and was wearing a baggy navy blue hooded top, dark trousers and a dark coloured hat.

The man ran back towards Tesco after the assault.

Investigating officer Rondell Quinlan said: “The bridge where the assault took place is busy with commuters and shoppers, particularly at this time of the day. It can also be seen from the main road so I am sure there would have been people who may have seen this occur.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area and believes they may have seen the incident take place or the offender running from the bridge, to contact police as soon as possible via the non emergency number on 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”