A YOUNG woman was snatched from a York street in broad daylight, driven to a secluded spot and indecently assaulted in her abductor's locked car.

The attack happened on Saturday lunchtime when the woman, in her early twenties and described by police as "vulnerable", was pulled into the car in Fossway, York, not far from her home.

A middle- aged man, driving a dark blue Ford Escort or similar car, locked the doors, drove off and stopped in Muncastergate on the outskirts of the city.

He chose a secluded part of the road between houses and Heworth Golf Club, hidden from view by trees and overhanging foliage to carry out the terrifying attack.

A police spokesman said the woman then managed to struggle free of her assailant and escape from the car.

He said: "The man initially spoke to the victim asking for directions to a public venue in York. He then bundled her into the car and drove approximately one mile away to Muncastergate, near Heworth Golf Club."

DC Ian Murray, of York CID, said the woman was very distressed after her ordeal, but did not require medical treatment and was now in the care of her family.

"This was a very serious incident in that she was taken from a busy area at a busy time of day and was in the power of a complete stranger while she was in the car," he said.

The man is white, with short brown hair and glasses. He was wearing a blue, red and white checked shirt.

Anyone who saw the dark blue car parked in Muncastergate at the time of the incident should contact York Helpdesk on 01904 669389. Calls will be treated in confidence.