A woman received a head injury as she was sexually assaulted while walking home through a park.

The woman, aged in her 40s, reported walking through Islington's Elthorne Park with a man when he suddenly grabbed her and began to tear at her clothing, police said.

She was then thrown to the floor, where she received a head injury.

The attack happened in Hornsey Road at around 3.30am on August 24.

The suspect is described as 5ft 5ins tall, of Mediterranean appearance, with a beard.

He was wearing a black shirt and a black and white baseball cap, police said.

Detective Sergeant Azmeen Pinnu of the Metropolitan Police’s Central North Command said: "This was a highly frightening experience, the effects of which are likely to stay with the victim for years to come.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information about this incident."

RELATED NEWS: Appeal for witnesses after 23-year-old 'needlessly' killed

The woman and another lady were approached by the suspect in Hornsey Road where they chatted before she left to go home.

The suspect walked with her through Elthorne Park where the alleged assault took place.

She attempted to call for help as she was thrown to the floor, sustaining a head injury, police said.

A person nearby, hearing her cries for help, came to her assistance and the suspect left the scene.

She was taken by London Ambulance Service to a north London hospital for treatment to a head injury.

The injury was not life threatening, but she continues to be supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote 1045/24AUG.

You can also provide information 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org.