A woman was sexually assaulted and beaten in broad daylight during a frightening attack at the weekend.

The 37-year-old was attacked as she walked along Angus Gardens, in Colindale, at about 3.30pm on Saturday.

Police said the victim noticed the suspect walking ahead of her at the junction of Booth Road and Montrose Avenue before stopping and bending down, apparently to tie his shoelace.

A police spokesman said: “As she walked past he got up, put his arms around her and grabbed her crotch area.

“She pushed him away and he then punched her in the face before running from the scene down Booth Road.”

The victim suffered bruising to her right eye.

The suspect is described as being of Asian appearance, between 20 and 25-years-old and about 1.6m tall.

The incident follows two attempted sexual attacks in nearby roads last November.

The first offence occurred between Mill Hill Broadway train station and Flower Lane, and the second occurred as the victim turned into Pageant Avenue, which joins onto Angus Gardens.

At the time, Barnet police urged women not to panic, but warned them to remain vigilant if out alone at night.

Following the latest attack, DI Tony Caetano, of the Barnet Sapphire Unit which specifically investigates sexual crimes, said: “We are working hard to track down the man who committed this assault, which was a very frightening experience for the victim.

“We have a dedicated unit to tackle sex crimes and will use every avenue open to is to arrest the suspect.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call DC Claire Harrison in Barnet Police's Sapphire Unit on 020 8733 5034/6 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.