Police are appealing for witnesses after a man sexually assaulted and stalked a woman in Cheltenham last month.

Gloucestershire Police said the victim was walking along Portland Street at around 03:25 BST on Sunday 20 October when a man walking in the opposite direction sexually assaulted her.

Police said the unknown man grabbed the woman without her consent and whispered “I love you” in her ear.

The woman headed towards Winchcombe Street and he followed her down the road before turning around and walking in another direction.

Gloucestershire Police said the woman was not injured but was left shaken by what happened.

The police were sent to search the area, but the man was not found.

The person responsible for the call stayed on the phone with the victim until she returned home safely, and then the police took her statement.

The man was described as Indian, in his late 30s or early 40s and about 173cm.

He had medium length black hair, a full beard just above the length of the stubble, and was wearing a dark colored t-shirt and jeans.

Investigating officers have carried out CCTV inquiries in the area and are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the man in the area to get in touch.