A 22-YEAR-OLD woman was seriously sexually assaulted in a church doorway.

The attack happened in the grounds of Huddersfield Parish Church early on Sunday morning, but police have only just released details.

They are anxious for witnesses to come forward to help them catch the attacker.

The woman and a friend had been on a night out in Huddersfield town centre.

They left Johnny's nightclub in Beast Market just after 3am and walked along Lord Street, where they met two men.

The four got chatting and the victim's friend and one of the men stayed in a bus shelter on Lord Street. But the victim and the man she was talking to wandered into St Peter's Gardens and ended up in the church doorway which faces on to Kirkgate.

The man then carried out the serious sex attack before the victim escaped and fled.

She ran sobbing to her friend and they went to a nearby taxi office to summon help.

Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield police, said: "We have traced a number of witnesses, but anyone else who saw what happened is being urged to come forward.

"We are also checking CCTV cameras which cover that area," added Pc McSweeney.

"In particular, we would appeal to the man's friend to contact us.

"He knows the attacker's identity and there is no reason why he should not tell us who he is."

The attacker is a very dark-skinned African-Caribbean, aged about 24, 6ft tall, slim and bald.

He wore a black, knee-length jacket which buttons up to the neck and has a collar.

Anyone with any information about the attack should phone Pc Matt Hawker at Huddersfield CID on 01484 436582.