A knife-wielding man ran at a woman, forced her to the ground and told her not to scream, police say.

Police said the 26-year-old woman was walking along Darling Street near the Barton Tennis Club about 10pm on Saturday when the man attacked.

"The woman was forced to the ground and told not to scream. Shortly after, the woman noticed two people nearby and called out to them. The man released the woman and fled the scene on foot towards Telopea Park," police said in a statement.

The woman's hand was cut in the attack, and she was later taken to hospital

Police searched the area using dogs, but could not find the man.

"He is described as Caucasian, 175cm (5’9”) tall with a slim build. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, white shirt, white cap and was barefoot," they said.

Police ask anyone who may have seen the incident or saw the man running through Telopea Park or nearby to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6312109.