A WOMAN was sexually assaulted as she walked down the road.

The 47-year-old was approached by a man who grabbed her coat and put his hand down her trousers, police said. She screamed and he ran away.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Franklyn Road near to the Sussex Road roundabout, Haywards Heath, shortly after 11.30pm on Sunday.

Detectives believe the driver of a red taxi that drove along Franklyn Road at about 11.30pm may be able to provide useful information to the investigation.

Detective Constable Jon Robeson said the man alleged to have assaulted the woman was described as white, in his late 20s with short, curly, blond hair.

Anyone with information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 1338 of 07/12. Or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.