A sex attacker indecently assaulted a young woman in Oxford city centre.

The man approached the 18-year-old victim as she waited for a taxi near the men's toilets in St Giles between 11.15 and 11.30pm on Friday. Police said he pushed her into the stairway leading to the toilets and assulted her.

The attacker fled when the woman, a student at an Oxford college, fought back and managed to escape.

Det Sgt Dermot Norridge, of Oxford CID, said: "This was a very frightening experience for the victim. She was not physically injured but was very upset."

Detectives have launched an investigation into the attack and are appealing for witnesses.

The attacker was Asian, in his mid 20s, 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall, slim, and had dark, straight hair.

The woman was wearing a black top and red trousers.

Det Sgt Norridge added: "There must have been other people in the area at the time. We would appeal to anyone who saw an Asian man talking to a young woman near the men's toilets at around that time to come forward."

Anyone with information should call Oxford police on 01865 266333.

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