DETECTIVES are investigating a serious sexual assault on a 26-year-old woman in Willow Park, Newton.

Police say the young woman was driving her blue G registration Fiesta along High Street and Church Street between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, last Thursday, when she was flagged down by a man asking for directions.

She stepped outside her car to speak to him and he then forced her back inside and drove the vehicle to St Peter's Church and carried out the attack in Willow Park.

Merseyside Police have confirmed the incident is being treated as a 'serious sexual assault'.

Police have released a description of the man they are hunting in connection with the incident. He is white, in his late forties or early fifties with brown hair, possibly dyed, of skinny build, around 5ft 7in tall, with a moustache and stubble. At the time of the assault he was wearing light blue jeans, a grey lumberjack type shirt and black shoes.

Police are also appealing for a woman spotted by the victim walking her dog at the time of the incident to come forward as she may hold vital information. She is white, around 30 years old, 5ft 7in tall, well built with short blond hair, possibly streaked. She was wearing a dark T-shirt, black leggings and thick socks and was walking an Alsatian type dog.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "She may have vital information and we are very keen for her to come forward." Potential witnesses or anyone who can help police with their inquiries should call St Helens CID on 0151 7776073 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.