A woman pedestrian was subjected to a terrifying sexual assault in broad daylight when a van driver pulled up alongside her and grabbed her.

The 27-year-old victim was walking along Cheam Road, close to Howell Hill Grove, Ewell when the van driver stopped and moved to the passenger side of the vehicle.

He opened the door, grabbed hold of her wrists and sexually assaulted her.

The victim pulled away from him and he got back into the van. She walked off but the van pulled up beside her again. This time the man said he could pay and threw some money at her.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which happened at about 2pm last Thursday, June 26, to come forward.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged in his late 40s, tall and of muscular build, brown hair but balding, a round face with chubby cheeks. He spoke with a Jamaican accent and was wearing black combat trousers and a Navy blue T-shirt.

Detective Constable Ian Moody said: "This was a nasty incident which has traumatised the victim. She was walking alone at the time of the assault and was subjected to a terrifying ordeal.

"Fortunately she was not seriously injured but it is clear we need to identify and arrest this man in order to prevent him from committing further offences.

"Crimes of this nature are rare in Epsom and I am determined to track down this man.

"This incident is very concerning to us and I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have any information which could help my team make an arrest to please get in touch as soon as possible."