Police are appealing for information to help track a man who exposed himself and sexually assaulted a woman near Armley Gyratory.
Increased patrols have been posted to the area following the incident at about 5.30pm yesterday.
The 47-year-old victim was walking over a pedestrian footbridge that crosses the A58 to Wellington Road, Wortley, near to the gas tower at the Armley Gyratory, when she saw a man walking towards her.
The man exposed himself to her and made comments. The woman kept walking but the man followed and grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her.
She hit out at the man and he let go and walked off towards the city centre.
He was described as white, aged about 30, stocky and 5ft 7ins tall. He had a pale complexion and thick, dark brown or black hair with a fringe. He was wearing a dark parka type coat and dark trousers.
Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said:
“This was obviously a really distressing experience for the victim and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace this man. This is a popular pedestrian route from the city centre and we would like to hear from anyone who was around at the time and saw someone fitting the suspect’s description in the area.
“The victim reported shouting a warning to two other women that she saw approach the footbridge from the Leeds side after the incident and we are keen to trace those women as potential witnesses.
“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing teams that cover the area are mounting increased patrols to reassure the community and deter any further offences.
“Our advice to people remains the same as at any other time, in that we would encourage them to always consider their personal safety and be conscious of their surroundings when out and about.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information should contact Leeds District CID at Elland Road via 101 quoting crime number 13160559100.