Mother is attacked as she feeds ducks with her son

Police say the 33-year-old victim was grabbed from behind and pushed into nearby nettles as she walked along a dirt track near Blaydon Road, in Pendeford, at the weekend.

It is thought the hooded attacker fled after being startled by the screams of the woman's four-year-old son.

Police have now launched an appeal for anyone who may have been in the area at the time to get in touch.

Officers have also revealed that they have stepped up patrols in the wake of the attack.

The woman was not badly injured in the assault, which happened on Saturday afternoon, but police today said she was 'shaken up' by what had happened.

Detective Inspector Annie O'Grady, from West Midlands Police's public protection unit, said: "Thankfully the lady was not seriously hurt, although she was understandably shaken up after what was a distressing attack in broad daylight.

"She recollects seeing a man walking his dog nearby and a lady she recognises as being local having seen her before – they could have important information or even seen the attacker at the location and I'd urge them to contact me."

The attack happened at around 2.30pm on Saturday after the woman had been to feed the ducks with her son at the canal, near to a local canoe club.

Detectives are scouring CCTV footage from around the area in the hope the offender may have been caught on camera.

A description of the attacker has been issued by officers who are investigating the case.

He was said to be white, in his early 20s or 30s, around 5ft 5 or 5ft 6ins tall and had stubble.

He was wearing a hooded top with the hood up when the attack took pace.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack or has information about the attack or possible suspects should call Det Insp O'Grady on 101.

They can also ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to give their information.