A woman jogging on a canal path was sexually assaulted after being confronted by a gang of five youths.

The 53-year-old woman was running along the canal path in Mirfield on Sunday June 11, at 1.30pm when the incident occurred.

She had been jogging between Steanard Lane and Station Road when she noticed the path was blocked by a group of youths who were on push bikes.

One of the youths is understood to have made an offensive remark before sexually touching the victim. The victim managed to push him away and the suspects fled.

PC Donna Collins, of Kirklees District Police, said: “I would like to reassure local people that offences of this nature are rare and that everything is being done to investigate what took place.

“The victim is being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation progresses.”

Police are keen to trace five youths.

One is described as Asian, about 16 years-old, 5ft 7, with a stocky build. He had short dark hair and was clean shaven. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a light coloured top.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who has any information is asked to call PC Donna Collins in Kirklees District Police via 101, quoting crime number 13170267909.