A YOUNG woman was assaulted by a man while walking with her child in Bellshill.

The woman, 23, was approached by the thug on Friday, September 18 at around 1pm at the corner of Mansfield Road and Blackmoss Drive.

Police said the man proceeded to assault her before running off along Hamilton Road.

He is described as in his late teens or early 20s and was wearing a grey coloured top and dark jeans.

Detective Constable Sean O’Farrell, from Lanarkshire CID, said: “This appears to have been a random assault in broad daylight, and although the woman was not seriously hurt, she has been left extremely distressed by what happened.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and it is vital that we trace the despicable individual responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around 1pm on Friday and may have noticed a man approach a woman and child, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

“Additional patrols will be in the area to provide reassurance to members of the public and I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Wishaw CID through 101, quoting incident number 1721 of Friday 18 September. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called on 0800555111, where details can be provided anonymously."