A woman was attacked as she walked her dog in Walsall Arboretum over the weekend, prompting police to step up patrols at the park.

The 45-year-old was at the beauty spot at 12.30pm-1pm on Sunday.

She was approached from behind by a man with a hoodie pulled over his face.

He grabbed the victim and indecently exposed himself before running off.

DCI Neil Evans said: “This is a worrying incident and one we are taking very seriously.

“We believe there was a sexual motive to the offence and would appeal for people to be vigilant in the area.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time and may have seen the man described.

“The Arboretum is the premier open space for the people of Walsall and a lot of people use it.

“Because of that and the nature of this offence we are stepping up patrols there.”

DCI Evans said the offender had been spotted by the victim loitering on a bench earlier.

A description has been given by police. He is described as being around 5ft 9ins, slim and wearing a white hoody pulled over his face and blue or grey jogging bottoms.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Arboretum on Sunday between 12.30pm and 1pm to contact the CID at Walsall on 0845 113 5000.

The park was also sealed off last Wednesday after police spotted three men acting suspiciously. Forensic tests were being carried out after the gang were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to commit a crime.