A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after being pushed to the ground while out running.

Sussex Police have launched a sexual assault investigation following the incident in Downs Link, Southwater, near Horsham, at about 7.20am.

The woman was running near the junction of Marlpost Road and Two Mile Ash Road when she was pushed to the ground by a man wearing brown trousers and a distinctive red tartan padded jacket.

The attacker, who had been riding a bicycle, ran away when he saw another person walking past.

Police are now appealing for anyone who saw what happened.

A spokeswoman said: “If you witnessed the assault, recognise the description of the suspect or have information to assist the police investigation, please report online or call 101 quoting reference Operation Morning.”