POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious sexual assault on a woman in Whitby.

The victim, a local woman aged in her 20s, reported that she had been attacked by an unknown man at some time between 3.05am and 6.20am yesterday (Sunday).

The woman had been on a night out in town and the incident occurred as she was walking from Windsor Terrace onto Esk Terrace.

The suspect is described as a man wearing a dark blue hooded top.

Police said that detectives conducted enquiries throughout Sunday and have spoken to nearby residents as part of the ongoing investigation.

They are appealing for people to come forward who may have seen the victim and the suspect between 4am and 6:30am on Sunday, April 15 in the Windsor Terrace, Esk Terrace and adjacent streets in Whitby.

If anyone can help, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for the Scarborough Serious Crime Team.

Alternatively email DC Jon Kenworthy at jon.kenworthy@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 12180063948 when passing on information.