A young woman who was jogging in St Albans on Saturday (9) has been ‘left shaken’ after a man grabbed her from behind.

The man is said to have put his arm around the 23-year-old’s neck and tried to pull her towards him on Jersey Lane at about 7.30pm, but the woman screamed and managed to get away.

He left in an unknown direction from the footpath on Sandringham Crescent.

The man is described as white, aged between 40 and 50, between 5ft 8 and 6ft tall and of athletic build with broad shoulders. He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top with the hood up and black gloves.

Det Cons Amy Dixon, who is investigating, said: “Thankfully the woman was not injured during the incident but has understandably been left shaken by what happened. We are doing all we can to trace the person responsible and have increased patrols in the area. It is currently being treated as an isolated incident.

“I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen someone matching the description given acting suspiciously in the area.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people to take simple steps to help keep themselves safe while out and about. Try and stick to busy areas and go jogging with a friend if possible.”

If you have any information please contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.