A WOMAN was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted while she was walking alone towards an underpass.

Police are investigating a sexual assault in Chichester which occurred at around 11.30pm on Saturday (February 28) as a woman in her 30s was walking alone along a path leading to an underpass in Via Ravenna, close to the city's Waitrose supermarket.

As she reached the underpass she was grabbed from behind and assaulted by touching.

All she noticed before breaking free and running off was that her assailant was wearing a dark padded jacket.

Anyone who saw what happened or noticed the woman or anyone else in the area at the time is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 97 of February 28.

Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.