A young woman on a night out in Hitchin town centre was pushed into an alleyway and sexually assaulted – and police are now appealing to trace two people who came to her aid.

The attack happened at about 3am on Saturday, August 26, when the victim – a woman in her 20s – was walking between Churchyard and Bancroft.

A man known to the victim pushed her into the narrow alley between Thomson travel agents and Mobile Experts, and touched her inappropriately.

The victim shouted for help, and two people came to her aid – prompting the offender to run off towards the taxi rank in Bancroft. He is described as a stocky white man, aged between 30 and 32, with short brown hair.

Det Con Gary Larkman, who is investigating, said: “I’m appealing for the two people who came to the victim’s aid to get in touch as you may have vital information that could help us to progress the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Larkman on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference G1/17/2862, or report information online at contacthertspolice.uk/Report.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.