POLICE are hunting a man who dragged a woman off the street and sexually assaulted her.

The 19-year-old victim was left shaken by the late-night attack, described by police as an “appalling incident”.

She was walking along Wokingham Road from Earley train station towards the Three Tuns Crossroad when she was approached from behind by a man.

The man grabbed the woman, putting his hand over her mouth and dragged onto a nearby driveway.

He then kissed her neck and told her he was lonely.

The victim managed to free herself and ran away and was unhurt.

Her attacker is described as around 50-years-old, white, approximately 6ft tall with shoulder length hair.

He was wearing a jacket and jeans.

Investigating Officer, PC Laura McCaughey Neighbourhood Officer based at Loddon Valley police station, said; "This is an appalling incident involving a young woman who, whilst unhurt, has understandably been left shaken.

“I would like to reassure residents that we are taking this very seriously and working to trace the offender whilst doing all we can to support the victim.

"We have conducted house to house enquiries in the area however this incident happened on a busy road and we believe that there would have been numerous other vehicles and people in the area at this time.

“We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this offence or seen anything suspicious.”

Anyone with information or who witnessed the attack, which happened on Sunday between 11pm and 11.30pm, is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101.

Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.