A 27-year-old woman was indecently assaulted in a terrifying attack as she walked alone in a Telford street in the early hours of yesterday.

The woman was not physically harmed in the incident in Malinslee yesterday, but police said she was left extremely shaken.

Detectives today appealed for anyone who lives in the area or who was passing through at the time to contact them.

Denise Wakefield, Telford police spokeswoman, said the attacker struck as the woman approached the junction of St Leonard’s Road and St David’s Close a few minutes after midnight yesterday morning.

“The man indecently assaulted the woman,” she said.

“She screamed for help and the man ran off in the direction of St Leonard’s Road.

“The woman was not injured, but was extremely shaken by what had happened.”

The man responsible was described as black, about 5ft 5ins and wearing a black, shellsuit-type, hooded top.

Mrs Wakefield said officers wanted to hear from any witnesses or anyone who had any information about the incident.

“If you were in the area around the time and heard or saw anything suspicious, we would urge you to come forward,” she said.

“We want to hear from anyone who might be able to help us, whether they live in the area or were just passing through on foot or in a vehicle at around the time of the assault.

“We also want to speak to any individuals who recognise the offender from the description we have issued.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police at Telford on 0300 333 3000.