A WOMAN in her twenties fought off a sex attacker in York.

North Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation after the attack, which took place at about 8.50pm on Sunday in Melrosegate.

A spokesman said the woman was walking under the tunnel at Melrosegate from the direction of Tang Hall Lane towards James Street, when she noticed a man edging towards her as she walked past him.

The spokesman said: "When the victim reached the part of the cycle path that forks in to two, just prior to James Street, she looked behind her and saw the same man walking towards her, and he then started running towards her. When he reached the victim, he put his right arm around her shoulders and his left arm between her legs and groped her.

"The victim tried to get her attacker off her by pulling his hair. She bit his thumb area and shouted at him and hit him in the face. The victim ran away towards Morrisons and the offender ran off in the opposite direction along the cycle path."

The attacker was described as a man, aged 19 or 20, about six foot two or three inches tall with mousy brown, ear length, messy hair and a sweeping fringe.

He had a defined jaw line with a thin face and was of slim build, wearing black baggy bottoms and a black Superdry anorak with the hood up and Velcro under the chin.

Anyone who saw the incident or has information which could help police should phone 101, press two and ask to speak to DC Lindsay Bell.

Alternatively, email Lyndsay.bell@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, quoting reference NYP24092017-0589.