A woman was assaulted while out on an early morning jog in Thornbury.

The 27-year-old was punched in the face on Gloucester Road, close to the junction with Stafford Crescent, at around 5.40am on Wednesday.

A white Transit-style van, possibly a 61 plate, pulled up next to the woman after passing her a couple of times.

The male driver got out, ran around the front of the van, and, without saying anything, punched her in the face and grabbed her.

The victim managed to break free from the man’s grip and she ran towards High Street to safety.

The suspect is described as white, between 30 and 35 years old, slim, around 5ft 11ins to 6ft, with mousey brown hair, shaved on the sides and spikey on top.

He was wearing dark trousers and a hooded top – possibly two-tone in colour.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around the time of the incident is asked to come forward as further sightings or a more detailed description of the van may help them identify the offender.

If you can help call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219209432.