POLICE are appealing for the public's help to track down a man who repeatedly punched a teenage girl in the face during an unprovoked attack.

The assault happened after the 18-year-old victim was approached by the man and confronted.

"The man briefly engaged her in conversation before repeatedly punching her to the face," said a police spokesman. "The man continued to strike her to the head even when she had gone to the ground."

The assailant is described as Asian, about 30 years old, skinny build and 5ft 7ins tall. He was described as having a close cropped beard around his jaw line and upper lip with a longer beard to his chin. He was dressed in dark clothing and appeared to be intoxicated.

The incident happened in the area of Devonshire Place and Goschen Street, Skipton, at 5am on Sunday, April 17.

Anyone with information should contact Robert Hutchinson on 101, select option 2, or email Robert.Hutchinson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, information can be passed via the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111. Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12160067205.