A woman was grabbed and subjected to an attempted sexual attack near a South Cheshire supermarket.
The victim, 37, was grabbed from behind close to Tesco in Crewe by her attacker on Sunday night.
She was placed in a headlock but she managed to struggle free and fight him off as he began to pull down his trousers.
Detectives say the woman was initially approached by her attacker at around 10.30pm as she walked along Edleston Road, Crewe, in the direction of Wistaston Road.
The man attempted to engage in conversation with her.
Despite repeated attempts to move away from the man, he continued to follow down Wistaston Road and onto Brook Street heading towards Tesco.
As the victim approached the pedestrian crossing near Tesco, she realised the store was closed.
The man told her there was another supermarket up the steps towards Dunelm Mill.
But as the victim walked up the steps, he launched his attack from behind.
After a short struggle the victim escaped and fled the scene, heading towards Edleston Road.
The attacker is described as dark skinned, approximately 5ft 4in tall, clean shaven.
Det Sgt Jim Boulton said: “This is an extremely serious incident and I would like to appeal anyone with information in relation to the incident to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 809 of 25/1/2015.”
You can also leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
I have informed Cheshire Police .
Assume you’ve contacted the police Amanda Griffin?!
A man matching this description was following me outside tesco and inside , I managed to lose him but remember what he looks like very well , this was on Thursday 15 th of January , also I have seen him acting suspicious outside tesco since that date .
He should be on Tesco security cameras Instore have a word with the manager there
I hope you have contacted the police with the information – you could be vital in catching this man