Lancaster police are appealing for information after a woman who was out jogging was grabbed by a naked man on the cycle track on New Quay Road.

Between 5.30pm and 6.10pm on Wednesday 19th March, a 52 year old woman was running along the cycle track on New Quay Road towards the junction with Aldcliffe Lane, Lancaster. She ran past a man, who was wearing nothing but a pair of bright green trainers and who started to follow her.

When the woman stopped running, the man also halted. When she started to run again, he continued to run after her, grabbing her bum bag which was strapped round her waist. The victim managed to run away but when she looked back, the man was stood grinning at her.

DC Mike O’Regan from Lancaster CID said: “This incident has understandably left the woman shaken and upset especially because she was out running on her own.

“If anyone has any information about this man, or thinks they have witnessed or been subject to something similar, please get in touch with us.

“I would encourage those out jogging in Lancaster to take extra precautions, such as running with a friend, sticking to routes in busier areas and only going out when it’s light.

“If you see anything suspicious, let us know.”

Police patrols have been stepped in the area to reassure local residents, walkers and joggers.

The offender is described as white, aged approximately between 18 and 21 years old with dark hair which is longer and scruffy on the top and shorter on the sides. He was wearing luminous green trainers.