Detectives from East Surrey CID are working closely with uniformed officers from the Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team following an assault on a woman in Caterham-on-the-Hill.

At around 10pm on Tuesday, 3 March, the victim, a woman in her 20s, was walking along Westway when she was approached by a man who hit her in the face. The victim was able to quickly leave the scene before seeking medical advice and calling police.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Laura Chambers, said: "This was a violent assault on a lone woman by a man who is not known to her which makes this offence deeply concerning.

"Thankfully, the woman was not seriously injured but no doubt this frightening experience will stay with her for some time which means we must find the person responsible for this offence.

"We are aware of rumours of women suspecting they are being followed late at night in areas not too far from where this incident took place. We are looking into these claims but we have not received any formal reports of this nature and I would urge anyone who witnesses something suspicious to contact police immediately.”

It is believed a bus may have been parked in a bus stop in the vicinity of the offence and officers urge anyone who was on board or who saw anything else suspicious to contact them with information.

The offender is described as a white man, aged in his late 30s or early 40s, around 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build with dark hair and stubble on his face. He was wearing a black coat, blue trousers and spoke with a local accent.

For advice on how to stay safe please visit http://www.surrey.police.uk/.

If you can assist officers with their investigation, please contact Surrey Police quoting reference 45150017932. Information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.