A WOMAN with a child in a pram was sexually assaulted in Sunshine North last Wednesday.
Police have appealed for public assistance to solve the crime, which occurred about 3pm in Holehouse St.
Police said the woman was walking north along the street, when she realised a male was running behind her.
She moved to let him pass but he grabbed her from behind in a bear hug and put his hand down her top.
Police said the woman struggled and screamed, and the pair ended up on the ground.
The male grabbed the woman by the throat and attempted to kiss her and put his hand down her pants.
However the man ran away when residents came out of their houses to see what was happening.
The woman sustained minor injuries to her hands and upper body during the attack. The child was uninjured.
Detectives from Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team are investigating the matter and are appealing for anyone with further information to come forward.
The offender was perceived to be of Asian appearance, chubby, wearing a navy blue T-shirt and shorts with white ankle socks at the time of the incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
