A WOMAN dog walker was grabbed from behind by the neck and thrown in a bush by a masked man in a shocking attack on a footpath last night, Saturday.

The victim, who is in her 30s, was walking on a path between Meldon Road and Oxcliffe Road, which leads to Heysham Nature Reserve, at around 8.30pm.

She was approached from behind and grabbed by the neck.

The woman managed to fight off her attacker but was then thrown into a bush.

As a result of the attack the victim suffered significant bruising.

The suspect is described as a man, wearing a black hoody and a black face mask.

No arrest has been made police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

DS Sam Johnson, of West CID, said: “This was a sinister incident which has left the victim rightfully distressed.

"An investigation is underway and we are appealing for anyone in the area at the time, who may have seen a male matching the description to get in touch.

"We are also appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage covering the area at that time to get in contact.

“Whilst this is being treated as an isolated incident at this stage, we have stepped up reassurance patrols in the area.”

If you have any information contact police on 101, quoting log 577 of July 19.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.