SOUTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) -Vancouver Police are warning the public after a woman in South Vancouver was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted early this morning.

At approximately 5:45 a.m., a 51-year-old woman was walking near East 48th Avenue and Elliott Street when a man suddenly grabbed her from behind. The stranger groped her and threw her to the ground as she yelled and screamed, then quickly let her go. He was last seen walking out of the area.

Police say the suspect spoke English and was described as white, in his 50s, 5’10” tall, wearing a light brown jacket, and a black toque.

“It’s still very early in the investigation and we have limited information so far,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “We’re encouraging citizens to call police any time they feel their safety is at risk.”

Anyone with information about this attack, or who may know the identity of this suspect, is asked to the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-3720 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.