A WOMAN has been sexually assaulted in Furness.

An investigation has been launched after the incident in Barrow at about 10pm last Thursday.

A 23-year-old woman was approached by a man on Cornwallis Street and followed onto Portland Walk where she was assaulted.

The woman was grabbed by the man who dragged her into the alleyway at the side of the Cash For Gold shop, and touched her inappropriately.

The woman managed to get away from him and he ran off towards the rear of Phoenix House.

Police are appealing for information from the public to help them trace the man.

He is described as white, aged in his 30s, around 5'7 in height, of a medium build, wearing denim jeans, a black shiny jacket and a black hat with ear flaps.

Officers also want to trace two male youths who were seen walking from Harrison Street onto Portland Walk into the ginnel at the side of WH Smith.

DC Kerry Harris, who is investigating, said: “We are keen to speak to as many people as possible who were in the area at the time as we are sure that somebody will have information that can lead us to establish exactly what happened last week.

“Two young lads were seen in the area of Harrison Street and could be key witnesses to our enquiry.

"Please think back to where you were one week ago today – if you think that you were in the area, please get in touch.

“There were also people driving around the area at the time and we know that a vehicle was seen leaving the Phoenix House area around the time that the offence took place.

"If you were driving or think you may have been in this vehicle at the time, you may not even realise that you have information that can help so please call us.”

Police are making local enquiries and examining local CCTV footage to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone who thinks they may have information that can help police with their enquiries is asked to contact Barrow CID on 0845 33 00 247 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.