A YOUNG Southampton woman was indecently assaulted as she sat recovering from an asthma attack.

The 20-year-old, who was struggling to breathe, had been propped up in the street while a friend went to fetch her a can of fizzy drink.

But while she sat recovering, the woman was approached by a stranger who pushed her over and indecently assaulted her.

The attack happened in Mayfield Road, Swaythling around 9pm on Saturday.

Det Con Sandy Chinner, of Southampton Central CID, said the victim had been left shaken but unhurt by the incident.

The woman, who lives in the Swaythling area, told police she had been walking home with a male friend when she suffered an asthma attack.

After sitting down to recover, she asked her friend to fetch a drink. But while he had gone she was approached by a man she believed had been following her three days earlier.

The victim told police the stranger had pushed her over, removed some of her clothing and touched her indecently.

WDC Chinner said the woman screamed for help but the attacker had fled by the time her friend reappeared.

Police are looking for a white man aged in his mid-20s or 30s, described as being of medium build, around 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in with blond hair which was longer on the top and shorter on the sides.

He wore jeans and a dark blue hooded top.

Anyone with information to help the inquiry is urged to contact Southampton Central CID on 0845 045 4545