A SEX attacker who offered a distressed woman a lift to find her missing dogs on Easter Monday was being hunted by police today.

The woman, aged 44 years, was out looking for her dog shortly after midnight when a stranger pulled up and offered her a lift.

She accepted the offer and the pair drove to the car park at the Academy Sport Leisure Centre in Northumberland Avenue.

However, when they arrived, the man reached out his hand and touched the woman inappropriately.

Stunned by what had happened, the woman managed to get out of the vehicle and flee the scene.

A police spokesman said: "The victim, a 44-year-old woman, accepted a lift from the offender who offered to help her look for her missing dogs.

"The offender then drove to the car park and touched the victim inappropriately.

"The victim managed to get out of the vehicle and away from the offender."

Officers investigating the attack have urged anyone with information to contact Thames Valley Police immediately.

The man, who was described as Asian and in his forties, was driving a large and dark coloured car.

Detective Constable Devjeet Hujan said: "I am appealing for the public’s help to find this offender, we believe he was driving a dark coloured four by four vehicle which may have been seen around the area following the incident.

“Also, if you recognise the offender’s description, the vehicle, or have some other information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, please contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43170110159.”