A YOUNG woman was punched in the face and indecently assaulted as she walked home after a night out in Warrington.

The 20-year-old victim was attacked by a lone male as she walked along Lord Nelson Street, Howley, at about 2.15am on Sunday.

The attacker approached from behind and dragged the woman to the floor, where he sexually assaulted her.

When she started to scream, he man punched her hard in the face before running off in the direction of Farrell Street.

The woman managed to raise the alarm and is now recovering from the ordeal and her injuries at home.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the man fleeing or heard the woman screaming.

Detective Constable Marcia Phillibert said: "The victim is extremely shocked, frightened and distressed by the attack.

"She screamed her lungs out during the assault and people may have heard her and then seen the man running away. We want them to contact us."

The offender is white, aged about 25 years old and 5ft 8ins tall.

The victim described him as being broad across the shoulders, of stocky build with a round face.

He wore a black woollen hat and a dark waist-length jacket with a zip fastener.

If you have any information, contact DC Phillibert on 01244 613 833 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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