A WOMAN was taken to hospital after fighting off an attacker in a serious sexual assault.

The woman, in her 50s, was treated at Wexham Park Hospital following the attack near the entrance to the Observatory Shopping Centre in High Street, Slough opposite the HTC roundabout.

The incident happened around 11.30pm on Friday when the woman was approached by an unknown man who made sexual demands which she refused.

The man then punched the woman several times and tried to pull her clothing off.

The woman fought him off and then he ran away.

The woman received injuries but has since been discharged from hospital.

The man is described as white, shorter than 5ft 11ins, thin build and he spoke with what is thought to be an Eastern European accent.

Investigating Officer, Det Sgt Peter Clarke of Force CID based at Maidenhead, said: “We are appealing for anyone with information who may have been in the vicinity near to the car park of the Observatory Shopping Centre or has maybe seen this assault itself. “If anyone has seen a man matching the description approaching this area shortly before 11.15pm or after 11.45 pm then we would also ask you to get in touch immediately.

“This was a serious incident and any information could help us trace this man."

Police are carrying out patrols in the area and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Call 101, quoting the reference URN 1936 09/07/2016 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.