Police are warning women in York to avoid walking alone late at night after an 18-year-old was sexually assaulted.

Officers are also mounting extra patrols after the attack - the third in York in as many days.

The teenage woman was walking along Navigation Road, York, at around 12.30am today (Tuesday, September 26) when she was attacked.

As she approached the bridge a man came up to her and grabbed her bottom and spoke into her ear. He then ran off.

He was tall, in his late 20s, with a tanned complexion and spoke with an English accent. He was wearing a dark grey hoodie, with the hood up and dark trousers or jogging bottoms.

The incident is the third reported sex attack in York in just three days.

A woman was the victim of a serious sexual assault in the Bootham and Marygate area at around 10pm on Sunday. Two men were arrested in connection with the incident and later released under investigation.

At 8.50pm on the same day in Melrosegate a woman in her 20s was groped by a man who she managed to fight off.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman, speaking about the latest incident, said: "Police are requesting the public to remain vigilant and where possible for women to avoid walking alone late at night.

"To reassure the local community, extra patrols will be taking place in and around the local area."

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the latest attack who may have witnessed the incident or seen a man matching the description who was acting suspiciously, is asked to contact police on 101 or York Serious Crime Team on 01609 643279. Please quote reference 12170172779.