A SEX attacker who grabbed a woman in an alley before throwing her to the ground and assaulting her is being hunted by police.

Witnesses are being urged to come forward after the "nasty" late-night attack in the Charford area of Bromsgrove.

Police said the 20-year-old woman had walked along Charford Road and Lyttelton Avenue before turning into Humphrey Avenue at 11.45pm on Thursday, November 9.

She realised she was being followed and turned into an alleyway between Grafton Crescent and Austin Road.

Halfway down the poorly-lit alley, the attacker grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground, grazing her face and ripping her clothes.

The man indecently assaulted her before being disturbed and running off towards Grafton Crescent.

"This was a nasty attack on a lone female at night," said Det Con Hywel Jones, of Bromsgrove Police.

"I would appeal to anyone who has seen the victim or her attacker or has any information that would assist the police in this inquiry to contact Bromsgrove police."

Det Sgt Jones said he wanted to hear from a man walking his dog in Humphrey Avenue just a few minutes before the attack.

Two people standing at the bus stop by St Andrew's Church are also urged to come forward.

The attacker is described as 5ft 5in tall, wearing a thin cagoule-type top and chunky metal bracelet or watch on his right wrist.

Bromsgrove police can be contacted on 01527 584888 or calls in confidence can be taken on Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.