DETECTIVES want to trace this man following a sexual assault in Northfleet.

The incident is alleged to have occurred last Monday between 5:35pm and 5:45pm when a woman walking along Coldharbour Lane became aware of a man watching and following her.

As the lady turned into Waterdales, the man approached her from behind and put his hand up her skirt, touching her bottom.

When she challenged the attacker, he asked her to take down her knickers.

After the woman said she would call police, the man apologised to her and ran away.

The alleged offender is described as approximately 6fr tall, with black hair, a medium build and a dark marking on his right cheek.

He was wearing dark jeans, black boots and a grey hooded jacket with a blue bodywarmer over the top at the time of the attack.

Officers are also seeking to trace the male driver of a white van parked on Vale Road at around the time the offence took place.

The victim made eye contact with the driver before she was assaulted and it is believed he may have seen the offender.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Angela Costin said: “We take offences of this nature extremely seriously and will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.

“I would also really like to speak to the driver of the white van as I believe he may have witnessed the offender following the woman.”

Witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting crime reference XY/3850/13 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 55511.