Man tried to sexually assault ‘screaming’ driver after getting into her car on busy Bristol road

Police are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted by a man who got into the passenger seat of her car on a busy road in Bristol.

It happened at around 3.50pm on Monday afternoon (June 13) as the woman was walking along Cotham Grove in broad daylight.

She was approached by a man who asked her for directions before following her to her car which was parked nearby.

He got into the passenger seat and tried to sexually assault her before running off to Archfield Road after she screamed and struggled.

The woman didn’t require hospital treatment for her injuries, but she was left feeling ‘shocked and distressed’ by what happened.

Avon and Somerset Police were called out to the incident and carried out a search of the area alog with house to house enquiries, but no trace of the suspect was found.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 30s and stocky, with stubble and a northern accent.

He wore a grey and black fleece jacket and dark-coloured shorts or trousers, and carried a black backpack.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Nick Birch said: “It is unusual for this sort of incident to happen during the daytime in a built-up area.

“We’re targeting our patrols in the area in the coming days and the woman will be offered support from our victim and witness care team. I would urge anyone with information which could help to come forward.”

If you were in Cotham Grove or Archfield Road at about 3.50pm that day and saw the incident or have any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could help, call police on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.