A YOUNG woman was sexually assaulted in Norham Gardens, Oxford, after a well-spoken man knocked her to the ground.

The 20-year-old was walking towards Banbury Road at about 10.30pm on Tuesday night and saw a man cycling toward her. He then began to walk near her, having discarded his cycle, and spoke to her.

The man pushed her causing her to stumble, he then grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. She fought him off and managed to get away to raise the alarm.

The man is white, in his early twenties, about 6ft and slim. He has wavy blond hair down to his cheeks and was well spoken.

Det Con Lucinda Bevan, of Oxford CID, said: "Although the woman was not harmed, we are taking this attack very seriously and are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or who has information, to contact us immediately.

"A car went past during the attack which helped the woman to break free. If you were in that car then please come forward."

Contact Det Con Bevan via 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police or give your name call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.