DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted as she walked home in the early hours of the morning.

The assault happened near the junction of Chart Road and Brookfield Road, Ashford, close to a railway bridge, between 2am and 2.30am on Monday.

The 42-year-old woman has been treated for an injury she sustained when she was pushed by the man, who is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, with a thin face and prominent front teeth, and wearing a white top with three quarter length sleeves.

Det Insp Steve Bridges said: "This was a nasty attack and we are asking for anyone who might have been driving in the area early on Monday to try to remember if they saw this man, or anything unusual, and to come forward.

"It was the kind of assault that does not happen often in Kent and we are appealing to anyone with any information to contact police immediately."

Witnesses are being urged to call police on 01233 896282 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.