A 47-YEAR-OLD woman was forced to the ground and sexually assaulted after a night out on Friday.

She was making her way along Mill Road in Bromborough in the early hours when a man approached her from the opposite direction.

He grabbed the woman and wrestled her to the ground before he ran off after being disturbed by a passing car.

Police have carried out a fingertip search of the scene and are carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

The offender is described as white, in his early to mid-20s, approximately 5ft 10" to 5ft 11" tall and of a slim build.

He has short light hair and was wearing black trousers and shoes and a white shirt with thin vertical stripes.

Forensic investigations are underway and a number of people have already come forward with information.

Detective Inspector Ian Hassall said: "This was a terrifying experience for this woman and she is now being looked after by friends and family. I would reassure the local community that incidents such as this are extremely rare and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to catch the man responsible.

"It's possible that the offender lives locally and it's likely that he will have arrived home in a dishevelled state. Is this someone you live with or is it possible that you were with him earlier in the evening?

"If so, please give police a call. I would also like to hear from anyone who may have dropped him off in that area that evening - there is a lay-by on the A41, opposite the junction with Coronation Drive.

If you think you know who this man it is vital that you get in touch with police.

"We will do everything possible to arrest this man and put him before the courts."

Call police on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.