A 31-year-old woman was assaulted by a man while standing on her own doorstep.

Police say the victim was about to enter her front door in Howard Avenue, Rochester, when she heard footsteps behind her. She was then assaulted.

The incident happened at about 4.40pm on Friday. Medway Police would like help in identifying the attacker. A spokesman said: "The man is about 20 to 25 years of age, about 5ft 6in, and of medium build."

The victim had noticed the man a short while earlier as she was walking home along The Delce towards her home. As she was walking along the access road, she passed the man in an alleyway which leads to Howard Avenue.

She became aware of him loitering some way behind her and so she quickened her step until she reached her front door.

The police spokesman added: "It was then the man assaulted her as she was about to go through her front door."

He was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the leg, a dark coloured bomber jacket and was carrying a dark rucksack over his shoulder. After the assault, he ran off in the direction of The Delce and central Rochester.

The spokesman addedd: "During the attack, a car drove down the road and we would appeal for the driver of the car to contact us. That person may have seen something which could help us with our enquiries."

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.