POLICE are investigating a suspected sexual assault on a 25-year-old woman said to have been dragged into public gardens late at night.

West Yorkshire Police have released a description of a suspect and two other people they would like to speak to in connection with the incident in Mill Ghyll, Ilkley, at about 11.30pm on Saturday.

Police said a 25-year-old woman was approached from behind and dragged into the garden area, at the junction of Brook Street and The Grove.

The victim is believed to have passed out for a short time and when she regained consciousness saw the suspect lying on top of her.

He then fled from the scene.

The suspect was described as Asian, about 5ft 7in tall and of slim build. He is believed to be in his late 20s.

He had gelled short black hair, a trimmed goatee beard, a piercing in his right ear and a silver bracelet on his right wrist.

The suspect was said to be wearing a white or grey jeans, a black jacket and black shoes with pointed toes.

Police would also like to talk to a couple who the victim spoke to on The Grove shortly before the incident.

The woman is described as white, with red curly hair and the man was white, tall, with a goatee beard.

Both are believed to be in their late 20s.

Mill Ghyll is said to have remained cordoned off by police throughout Sunday morning.

Police said they have been carrying out reassurance patrols in the area and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, which can be contacted anonymously on (0800) 555111.