A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by an unknown man in Nether Stowey, near Bridgwater, last weekend.

Police say the incident took place between 3am and 3.35am while the woman was walking along Palmers Path near Lime Street.

The man is described as white, no taller than 5ft 10, with black hair and stubble.

He was said to be wearing jeans with dark brown or black shoes a blue t-shirt.

Police say there is an urgent need to find the man as soon as possible.

““We understand that what happened at the weekend will no doubt cause concern within the local community,” chief inspector Rebecca Wells-Cole said.

“We are not aware of any other similar incidents in that area in the recent past, but there is an urgent need to trace this man as soon as possible to help protect the public, which is why we are encouraging anyone with information to contact us.

“We want to reassure people living in Nether Stowey that we are proactively investigating this and carrying out extra high-visibility patrols to try to identify this man and provide reassurance.”

Anyone with information, or with relevant doorbell or dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 or contact police via their website with reference 5224269422.

Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555111.