A teenager was sexually assaulted as she walked home late at night.

The 16-year-old girl was walking along Avondale Road, St Leonards, between 9.30pm and 10pm on Monday July 21 when she was approached by a man.

He sexually assaulted her over her clothing before she managed to push him away and run off. It is thought the offender made off towards Gillsmans Hill.

The attacker is described as white, with a tanned appearance and facial stubble, about 30, 5'9, dressed in all black including a woolly hat which would have been unusual in view of the temperature that evening.

Detective Constable Rob Tillyer said: "The young girl was very shaken and upset but was not physically injured, If you saw anything suspicious in that area at the time, or have any other information that might help, please contact us via 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1667 of 21/7. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."