Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in Wallasey.

Police have described the attack as an "horrendous ordeal."

The 41-year-old was walking along Sandfield Road towards Rowson Street when she was grabbed from behind.

The attacker pushed her into an alleyway close to Sandfield Road's junction with Cyprus Terrace and assaulted her.

After several minutes, he fled on foot in the direction of Rowson Street after being disturbed by passers-by.

The woman was not physically hurt but has been left extremely shaken and upset by her ordeal.

Her attacker was white, in his 40s, around 5ft 10ins, of stocky build, with a slight pot belly and short cropped hair. He was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and was clean shaven.

Detectives investigating the sexual assault are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has seen a man matching this description acting suspiciously in the area to contact them.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hassall said: "This was an horrendous ordeal for this woman to go through.

"She was simply walking along Sandfield Road when she was grabbed out of the blue by this man who has then subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault.

"Thankfully, the presence of people out and about in the area appears to have scared him off and allowed the victim to call the police.

"She has been left mortified by what he has done to her and we are determined to catch him.

"Attacks like this are rare and I would appeal to anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary that evening to contact us.

"Their informatiom could prove crucial in us catching him."

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at around 6pm, on Tuesday, June 21, is asked to call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.