A man has been assaulted in what police describe as an "isolated incident".

The victim, a man in his 20s, was walking across Sowerby Flatts, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, at about 8am this morning when he was attacked.

As he crossed a footbridge, he was approached by a man who assaulted him.

His attacker is described as white, between 6ft and 6ft 3in and was wearing a grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms with stripes down the legs, He was aged about 20 and described as having a 'baby face', with blue eyes and fair or light coloured eyebrows.

The suspect may have sustained an injury to his face during the incident.

The area is popular with dog walkers and police are appealing for anyone with information about the assault to contact them.

Police are particularly interested in speaking to a man seen walking his spaniel dog in the area who may be a witness.

The man was wearing an orange coloured coat with a mountain motif.

Inspector Tim Osborne of Thirsk police, said: "Thirsk is a very safe place to live and this type of offence at the this time of day is very unusual.

"We believe it to be an isolated incident and are seeking the help of the public who were around and about during Friday morning."

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0845-60-60-24-7, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.