An 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in a street in Stevenage on Tuesday night – and police have now appealed for witnesses.

Police said the incident happened at about 10.15pm in Monkswood Way, just before the traffic lights at the junction with Asda.

A man approached the teenager and “touched her inappropriately”, a police spokeswoman said, before making off towards McDonald’s.

The attacker is described as a bald white man in his late 40s, about 5ft 8in, of average build with a round face. He was wearing dark green shorts and possibly black work safety boots, and had a backpack.

PC Daniel Cook, who is investigating, said: “I’m appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time stated and believes they saw the incident or may have information that could help our investigation to please get in touch.

“In particular I would like to speak to a group of teenagers who were nearby and may have information that can help.

“I’d also like to speak to two men who drove past the victim in a silver coupe-style car and turned into the Asda car park just before the assault occurred, as they may have seen the offender.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Cook on daniel.cook@herts.pnn.police.uk or 101, quoting crime reference 41/21217/18, or herts.police.uk/report.

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