Residents living near the scene of a sex attack yesterday are staying away from the common where it took place until the attacker is found.

A day after the shocking sexual assault on a teenager using a path through woodland in Epsom, police are still hunting for the attacker and appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A man in his mid 30s grabbed the teenage girl’s clothes as she walked down the path that runs from the railway crossing by Castle Road to the end of Wells Road by Spa Drive between 3.25pm and 3.30pm.

The teenager managed to break free but was left "extremely shaken" by the ordeal.

Asked for an update on the investigation, a police spokesman said: "We are still appealing for witnesses. It is still on-going."

Your Local Guardian:

A mother, who lives near the railway line, told the Epsom Guardian they had received a police appeal through the door and would not walk across the common alone.

She said: "We are obviously concerned about it. We think we need a bit more of a police presence to make sure it does not happen again. Everybody needs to be vigilant."

Your Local Guardian:

Residents told this newspaper’s photographer that another footpath, leading from Lewins Road to Wells Road, was cordoned off by police yesterday.

The attacker is described Asian with short black hair, stubble or a beard and a black or navy jacket. It is believed he was on foot.

A forensics team has examined the scene and officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries.

Temporary Detective Inspector Sailesh Limbachia said: "This offence took place in broad daylight and has left the victim extremely shaken.

"I am appealing for anyone who was in the area this afternoon and may have seen either a man matching the description or any suspicious activity to come forward.

"I would like to reassure the local community that we are doing everything we can to catch whoever was responsible for this crime.

Your Local Guardian:

"This incident will no doubt cause concern in the local community and we are working closely with residents through the local Safer Neighbourhood Team who will be providing reassurance patrols and visits in the area.

"I would urge anyone who has information which may assist with our investigation to contact Surrey Police immediately."

Anyone who can assist detectives with their investigation is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference P14204524.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111