A dog walker was sexually assaulted by a man who had just exposed himself to her in High Wycombe yesterday morning.

The 47-year-old woman was grabbed from behind and pulled backwards by the man after she had turned to walk away from him.

She shouted at the man, who let go. She sustained bruising but did not need hospital treatment.

Prior to the incident, which happened near the junction of Keep Hill Road and the Rye park at 8.20am, the man had exposed himself to his victim.

Thames Valley Police has launched an appeal for information.

They describe the offender as white, around 5ft 11 to 6ft tall, slim, with brown hair. He was wearing a dark blue hooded top with the hood up which also had red panels on the front. He was also wearing dark blue trousers, either tracksuit bottoms or jeans, and black trainers and a black rucksack on his back.

Det Con Lou Knowles from High Wycombe CID said: "This was a frightening incident for the woman involved, who was simply walking her dog when she came across the offender. It is vital that we trace this man in order to prevent him from offending against anyone else.

"Officers are in the area today making enquiries and I would urge anyone with information to speak to them or call 101."