A female student was sexually assaulted after being followed and grabbed from behind.

The woman, who is Chinese, noticed someone following her at the junction of Bradmore Road and Crick Road, in North Oxford.

She was grabbed from behind and held tightly by the man, who told her he loved her.

She screamed for help and after a struggle, the attacker ran off towards Banbury Road.

The man was described as white, of medium build and 5ft 10in. He is aged about 20, with short, dark, straight hair and dark eyes.

He was casually dressed in dark clothing.

Anyone with information about the attack, at about 6.15pm on Thursday, March 8, should call Pc Sian Griffiths on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.