Detectives knocked on doors along The Strand and nearby streets in Manhattan Beach on Monday in search of homeowners with video surveillance cameras that might have caught pictures of the man who sexually assaulted a woman early Sunday on the sand.

Investigators also were hoping to work with the victim and her male companion to create a sketch of the man that can be released to the public.

Police on Monday provided a more detailed description of the assailant: Latino, 25 to 30 years old and about 5 feet 7 inches tall with a thin build. He was bald, sported a thin mustache and wore a gray hoodie sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with surveillance cameras in the area of the assault — in the 3400 block of the waterline — was encouraged to checked their video equipment and contact police.

“We have no idea where he crossed over to get down to them or where he crossed over to leave,” Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Paul Ford said.

The confrontation occurred about 12:15 a.m. Sunday as a man and woman — described only as Los Angeles County residents in their 40s — were sitting on the sand. The assailant approached them, telling them he had a gun. However, he never brandished a weapon.

“When he walked up, he had his hand in his jacket pocket,” Ford said.

Police said he forced the male victim to lay face down in the sand and sexually assaulted the woman. Investigators did not elaborate on what occurred.

During the assault, the male victim got up when the assailant was not paying attention to him. He ran to a nearby home, knocked on the door and asked someone to call 9-1-1, Ford said.

The assailant took unspecified property from the victims and fled southeast. Officers searched the area but could not find him.

People walking along The Strand near the scene of the attack Monday afternoon said they were shocked by it.

“It’s pretty horrifying,” said Christina McDonald of La Crescenta, as she walked with her daughter. “We’ve been coming to this beach for years and years. That’s why. Because it’s such a safe beach.”

A woman who lives up the street from The Strand said she will think twice the next time she hangs out at the sand after dark with her 4-year-old.

“You think you’re so safe here,” said the woman, who declined to give her name. “We’re down here after sunset often. Now I’ll be more aware, or we’ll stay closer to the pier where there are more lights.”

Others said that despite their horror at the incident, people have to remember they live in a large metropolis.

“That’s pretty scary,” said Joann Carter of Playa del Rey. “But never at night is the beach safe.”

Police asked anybody with video or information that could help solve the crime to call Detective Mike Rosenberger at 310-802-5127.