North Yorkshire police today appealed for information about an indecent assault on a 35-year-old hitchhiker.

The incident happened almost seven weeks ago, but has only just been reported by the alleged victim.

A force spokesman said that while details were vague, they were still taking the allegation "very seriously".

He said the woman had been hitchhiking on the outskirts of Leeds on or around Friday, September 1, at around 3am when she was picked up by a man in an "oldish" car.

"The man drove to a secluded country lane between Leeds and Harrogate where he indecently assaulted the woman," the spokesman said.

"After the assault he drove to Harrogate where he dropped her off in the town centre, near the bus station."

The man is described as white, "not young", of average build with short dark hair.

He wore glasses and a dark coloured coat, possibly with a hood.

He said his name was Brian and that he lived in a bungalow in Leeds.

If you have any information about the incident, or recognise the description, contact Harrogate police on 01423 505541.