POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was indecently assaulted in Southampton.

A man approached a 21-year-old woman and lifted her skirt above her waist before running off towards the Sports Centre, according to officers.

The incident took place in Coxford Road, near Grafton Gardens, after the woman was dropped off by a taxi at about 1am on Saturday.

Police say the assailant was tall and wore dark clothing.

DC Michael Boshier, of Shirley CID, said: “We are trying to trace anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident or anyone who has seen a man acting suspiciously in the late hours of Friday, July 5, or early hours of Saturday, July 6.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident. However, we would also ask anyone else who has been approached in a similar way in the area recently and has not reported it to police, to get in touch.

“Whilst we don’t want people to worry unduly, we do always advise people, especially women, to walk with friends when out at night.”

Call DC Boshier on 101.