A WOMAN was sexually assaulted as she walked to her car to go home.

The 50-year-old was approached by a man who tried to talk to her before insisting on walking with her and grabbing her bottom repeatedly over her coat, police said.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident at about 8.15pm on Tuesday (March 24) near the railway bridge in Braybrooke Road, Hastings.

The suspect is described as white, slim, 5' 7" and in his late teens or early twenties with a spotty complexion.

He had short cropped dark hair, spoke with a lisp and was wearing dark-coloured baggy trousers and an anorak.

Detective Constable Nick O'Shaughnessy said: "The woman was left feeling very upset and shaken after this unpleasant experience.”

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 276 of 25/03, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.