An 18-year-old woman walking between Hitchin and Letchworth escaped after fighting off an attacker in the early hours of this morning – and police have now appealed for witnesses.

The assault happened between 2.30am and 3am this morning, when the victim was walking along the A505 Cambridge Road past Wyvale Garden Centre, near where the two towns meet.

She was approached from across the road by an older man who pushed her to a nearby bench and assaulted her.

The teenager managed to fight the man off and ran down the road, where passers-by came to her aid. She was not injured.

The attacker is described as a white man with slightly tanned skin, aged in his 40s.

He is about 6ft tall, with dark short hair that was slightly swept back. He wore a grey turtleneck jumper and ripped wash-faded jeans.

Det Con Kate Marshall, who is investigating, said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident or witnessed a man walking along in the area around the time stated to get in touch, as you may have information that could assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Marshall on 101, quoting crime reference G1/17/3264.

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.