A WOMAN has been sexually assaulted on a footpath in Airdrie in broad daylight. 

The 26-year-old was assaulted on Sunday afternoon at around 3.30pm on a footpath that connects Raebog Road, The Rushes housing estate and Stirling Road. 

She was approached from behind by a man who sexually assaulted her before running off in the direction of Dykehead Road and The Rushes.

The woman did not require medical attention but was distressed by the incident.

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Officers are now appealing for any witnesses to get in touch and say they are checking CCTV in the area.  

Detective Constable David Forde from Coatbridge CID said: "Although the lady didn’t require medical assistance, this assault was very distressing for her.

"Officers are checking CCTV in the area and carrying out enquiries to trace the man responsible and would ask that anyone who recognises the description of the man, or who may have seen someone fitting the description in the area either before or after the incident time to come forward."

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The suspect is described as white with a pale complexion and in his late 20s to early 30s.

He is around 5ft 10in tall with a medium build with short gingery brown hair and scruffy ginger facial hair. 

He was wearing a dark grey hooded top, grey jogging bottoms, dark coloured trainers and was carrying a navy backpack. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident number 2147 of Sunday, June 12.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.