POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a report of a sexual assault on Walney Island.

Around midday on Monday March 24, a 51-year-old woman was walking her dog at Earnsea Bay, north of West Shore Park, when she was approached by a man known to her, also in his early 50's.

She reported that he forced her to the ground in the grassed area at the edge of the beach and sexually assaulted her.

Police said they then walked together past West Shore Park and got into a silver coloured Renault Megane, which was parked in the parking area at the end of West Shore Road.

However, they declined to elaborate further.

The woman was not injured during the incident.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw the couple to call Cumbria Police on 101 and ask for PPU South or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.