A woman's screams scared off a sex attacker after he dragged her to the ground.

The 26-year-old was smoking a cigarette outside a house at around 12.40am on Sunday when she was attacked.

Police said her assailant indecently assaulted her during the attack in Calder Street, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

The man fled across the street and through bushes near North Caldeen Road after she began to scream.

A police spokesman said the woman suffered slight injuries but was left "in a state of shock" after the attack.

Detective constable Steven Scullion said: "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the man responsible for this assault. We will not allow local residents to feel unsafe in their own community.

"From what we understand at this time, the suspect progressed towards Calder Street at Southfield Crescent from the direction of the shops close to Elm Street.

"Following the attack, he ran across the road and through the bushes into the nearby business estate at North Caldeen Road.

"We do believe this is an isolated incident and we have had no further similar reports."

Police said the attacker "may be of Eastern European origin", was in his 30s and of medium build. He had black hair and was wearing a grey hooded top and dark trousers.

DC Scullion added: "We are still assessing opportunities to capture CCTV from public and private spaces and have been conducting door-to-door enquiries in the area.

"We are appealing to any passing motorists or residents who may have noticed a man acting suspiciously around the area in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"You may have also heard the disturbance or witnessed a man running from Calder Street following the incident. No matter how insignificant you believe the information you have may be, it could greatly assist our ongoing investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101.