A young woman was sexually assaulted in a late night street attack in Stevenage on Saturday.

The victim was walking alone on Mildmay Road when she was followed by a man who befriended her. When they reached Verity Road the man sexually assaulted her. The incident happened between 11.40pm and 12.35am.

The suspect is described as white, around 40-years-old, of medium build and over 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing knee length shorts and dark shoes.

Detective Inspector Damien Kennedy of the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said officers were doing all they can to trace the man responsible.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and saw a man matching the offender’s description to contact me.

“It may be that you live locally and were returning home from a night out or from work and saw the offender before, during or after the incident. Your information could be vital in helping us bring this man to justice.”

If you can help, call Det Insp Kennedy on 101, quoting Operation Atter, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.