A woman was assaulted on a street in Caterham when a stranger stepped in to intervene, scaring off the attacker.

The incident occurred in the early hours of November 11 when a man allegedly grabbed a woman by the hip on Croydon Road after following her.

The suspect has been described by police as a white man, over six foot tall with straight blond hair and he was wearing a dark-coloured top at the time.

A silver car driving past witnessed the assault and the vehicle stopped to intervene.

A passenger got out of the vehicle and shouted at the suspect, who then fled the area.

Police are urging witnesses, particularly the good Samaritan who intervened or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage at around 12am to 12.30am to come forward and contact police.

Police are hoping that those inside the silver car, who directly saw the assault, can provide crucial evidence.

If you have any information which could assist with the investigation contact Surrey Police us quoting crime reference number PR\45230128585.

Tandridge Borough Commander, Lyndsey Whatley, said: “I appreciate this is a concerning incident. I can assure you that enquiries are being completed to try and identify the suspect. Local officers have been in the area completing extensive house to house and CCTV enquiries. The local team will continue to complete increased patrols in the area during the hours of darkness.”

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted in Caterham on Saturday 11 November between 12.00am and 12.30am.

“Police were made aware of an allegation of assault, where a man followed a women walking along Croydon Road and proceeded to grab her hip, pulling her towards him.

“We believe that a silver car driving past witnessed the assault and stopped to assist where the passenger got out and shouted at the suspect. The suspect then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

“The suspect is described as a White man, over 6ft tall with straight blond hair and was wearing a dark coloured top.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have more information but are especially looking to speak to the occupants of the silver car that stopped at the scene.

“Were you in the area at this time, did you witness the assault or have any CCTV or Dashcam footage? If you have any information which could assist with our investigation please contact us quoting PR\45230128585.”