POLICE investigating a serious sexual assault on York's riverside have released a description of the suspect.

The man, who attacked and robbed a woman in her 60s on Tuesday evening, is described as about 5ft 9ins or 5ft 10ins tall and of thin build, with dark hair and a dark, olive complexion.

"He possibly had a well-groomed beard," said a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police.

"He was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap, with dark clothing and jeans."

He said detectives had renewed their appeal for information about the incident, which started when the victim was with the man at around 7pm near Lendal Bridge.

"She then walked with the man, down the side of the River Ouse in the direction of Scarborough Bridge, passing the Esplanade car park and the Post Office building on her left hand side," he said.

"The victim and the man then crossed over Scarborough Bridge and, once over the bridge, continued walking alongside the river, out of town towards the back of St Peter’s school and Clifton Bridge.

"When they approached the back of St Peter’s school, the man subjected the woman to a serious sexual and physical assault and stole money from her."

Detective Inspector Alan Rowan, who is leading the investigation for North Yorkshire Police, said: "Anyone who thinks they may know this man, or saw anyone matching his description in the area around the time of the incident, needs to come forward.

"This was a horrendous attack on a vulnerable woman, and any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be very valuable to our investigation."

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference 12180001044.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.