Police are hunting for a hooded man in a medical mask after a reported sexual assault in Ingleby Barwick.

The incident took place in a wooded area, near Basselton Beck, when a woman, aged in her late 30s, was reportedly grabbed from behind. 

This occurred between the entrances of Wellbrook Close and Acorn Bank at around 1.30pm on Friday, before the woman took off towards Priorwood Gardens, followed by the man. 

She then took out her phone and the man made off towards Low Lane. 

The suspect is described as wearing a black hoodie with the hood up and a medical-style white mask on his face.

Cleveland Police said a number of enquiries have already been conducted as part of the investigation, including scouring CCTV from local businesses.

A statement from the force said: "Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a report of sexual assault.

"Officers received a report that a woman was grabbed on a footpath in a wooded area near Basselton Beck in Ingleby Barwick.

"The woman, aged in her late thirties, was grabbed from behind on the footpath between the entrances of Wellbrook Close and Acorn Bank around 1:30pm on Friday 12th July.

"The woman made off towards Priorwood Gardens, followed by the male. She then took out her phone and the man then made off towards Low Lane.

"The suspect is described as wearing a black hoodie with the hood up and a medical-style white mask on his face.

"A number of enquiries have already been carried out as part of the ongoing investigation, including CCTV enquiries carried out with local businesses.

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"Officers would ask members of the public to also check any private CCTV in the area around the time of the incident which may have captured the male.

"Footage can be uploaded here. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting incident number 131479.

"Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111."