A HUNT has been launched for a man who indecently assaulted a woman on Lancaster's new Millennium bridge .

The 24-year-old victim was returning from a night out in the city centre, heading towards Skerton when she heard footsteps on the bridge and speeded up.

She tried to catch up with a couple who were walking around 200 yards ahead of her, but before she could do so she was grabbed by the attacker and forced to the ground.

The woman was then assaulted but was able to injure the man by elbowing him, possibly in the chest. He then ran off towards St George's Quay.

Police are now attempting to trace the couple who the man must have passed as he fled the scene.

Det Sgt Mark Salisbury of Lancaster police said: "Inquiries are ongoing. We are particularly keen to speak to the couple who were seen walking on the bridge, as the attacker must have gone very close to them."

They are described as female, white, aged about 24, of slim build with long brown hair, wearing navy blue jeans, a brown jacket and black shoes and a white male, aged about 30, about 5ft 8in tall, of slim build, with dark hair, wearing a pale blue shirt with dark trousers and beige coloured heavy boots.

The attacker is described as white, of stocky build, 5ft 7ins tall, with distinctive big round eyes, dark brown hair, aged about 30. He was wearing a black padded type jacket with the collar up and black trousers in a soft material.

Police say they are not completely ruling out links with an earlier spate of sex attacks in the city, but are investigating the latest attack separately.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lancaster police on 01524 63333 or the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111.