An investigation has been launched after a teenager was allegedly sexually assaulted by a balaclava-wearing man in West Molesey this morning.

The 19-year-old woman was approached by a man she did not know and allegedly attacked on a park bench. She said she was also robbed before the offender ran away, Surrey Police said.

Detective Inspector Paddy Mayers from Surrey Police said: “This incident has understandably left the victim extremely shaken.”

Police cordoned off an area on the towpath in Hurst Road after the attack on the young woman was reported just before 6am today.

She was said to be taken to a nearby Tesco supermarket to wait while police were called.

A Surrey Police spokesman said: “The investigation is currently in its early stages and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

He added officers from Elmbridge’s safer neighbourhood team had increased high visibility patrols and were also carrying out enquiries in the area.

Police have described the alleged attacker as white, between 5ft 11in to 6ft and of muscular build. He was said to be wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a black balaclava.

Officers want to hear from anyone who was in the area between 8pm on August 18, and 5.30am this morning who may have seen anything.

Call Surrey Police on 101 or report it online at my.surrey.police.uk/splonlinereportingweb and quote 45150073847.