POLICE are appealing for the public's help after a woman was pulled into bushes and indecently assaulted while walking along a riverside in York.

Officers said a man aged in his late 40s pounced on the woman near Clifton Bridge, as she walked alongside the River Ouse from the city centre.

She first spotted the attacker, who was about 5ft 8in tall with thick, grey bushy hair and blue eyes, while sitting on the riverbank behind the Museum Gardens.

The police spokesman said the woman was "unhurt, but shaken" and asked anyone who recognised his description or who was in the area to contact the police.

The man was wearing a navy jumper, light blue shirt, dark blue jacket, grey or black trousers and black shoes. He was also wheeling a black cycle with panniers.

The attack took place on Friday, May 13, at 6.15pm. Anyone with information should phone the witness line on 01904 669884.

Updated: 09:34 Saturday, May 21, 2005