A woman was sexually assaulted while walking through Carlisle city centre in the early hours of this morning.

Police say the 34-year-old was walking over Victoria Viaduct, in the direction of Denton Holme, when she came across an unknown man.

He was initially friendly towards her but, when she declined his advances, he sexually assaulted her.

It happened at about 2am and following the incident the man ran off in the direction of English Street.

Her attacker is described as being white, with dark hair, in his mid-twenties, of slim build and approximately 5ft 7ins tall.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a grey hooded top with a front zip, dark trousers and dark footwear with light - possibly white - soles.

Detective Sergeant Cath Pattinson said: “We have a team of detectives and uniformed staff following up numerous lines of enquiries in our attempts to ascertain what has happened and trace the suspect.

"If you saw a man matching this description in city centre area in the early hours of this morning please contact us as your information could help our enquiries into what has occurred.

“The victim was uninjured but is understandably shaken by what has occurred. Specially trained officers are supporting her at this time.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Cumbria Police on 101 and ask to speak to an officer from North Cumbria CID.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.