A MAN was sexually assaulted in woodland near the River Weaver after getting into another man’s car in Northwich town centre.

The 20-year-old victim had gone to use the public toilets near Market Hall at 2.30pm on Monday, April 14, when he was approached by a man who asked him to go with him in his vehicle.

The victim reluctantly got into the man′s black Vauxhall Astra Estate, which had been parked in Market Hall car park.

The car drove around the one way system, over Hayhurst bridge, turning right into Castle Hill before turning immediately left down a track which runs along the river Weaver.

The car parked up at the end of the track and the pair walked into the woods until they came to an area where abandoned tyres were dumped.

The victim was attacked by the man and then driven back to Market Hall car park.

The offender is described as white, in his 40s, approximately 5ft 9ins tall with short white or grey hair and black rimmed oval glasses.

He was clean shaven, of medium build and had a noticeable limp.

He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms with light brown/sandy suede shoes and a dark grey jumper.

Police have described the assault as ‘serious’ and are currently scouring CCTV images for more details.

DC Jack Horner said: "The victim was left distressed by his ordeal and is being supported by specialist officers.

“I would urge anyone who has any information or has seen anyone fitting this description acting suspiciously in the area of the Market Hall car park to contact me."

Anyone with information should contact DI Clare Coleman on 101 quoting incident number 749 of 14 April 2014. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.