WOMEN have been warned to be on their guard after an assault in Fareham.

Detectives are not linking the attack on the 18-year-old girl with the string of sex attacks on women during the summer but have reiterated the safety warning.

The victim was grabbed from behind as she walked along the pathway between Deanes Park Road towards the Delme roundabout in Fareham.

The attacker, described as white, aged between 20 and 30, and with brown hair, grabbed the woman twice as he cycled past on a dark-coloured mountain bike at 4.15pm on Monday.

The assault left the victim scared and shaken, according to police.

DC Keith Huelin said: "We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and, in particular, a female wearing a green coat and carrying Somerfield carrier bags who the victim remembers walking in front of her through the subway at Eastern Road."

He added that women should continue to stick to the advice given out as part of the Daily Echo's Be Safe Be Sensible campaign.

Posters displayed around the borough as part of the campaign urge people to be aware of their personal safety.

DC Huelin said: "It is important, as the nights are getting longer, for people to take notice of the advice on the posters. Never take a chance with your personal safety."

Anyone with information can contact Fareham CID on 0845 045 4545.