Police investigating sexual assault by stranger in White Rock, B.C.

The White Rock RCMP detachment is seen in this photo from the BC RCMP website.

Police in White Rock are asking the public for help as they investigate a sexual assault that allegedly occurred in broad daylight Friday morning.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. near the stairs in the 14900 block of Prospect Avenue, White Rock RCMP said in a news release.

Police said they were notified of the incident – in which the victim was punched and groped by a stranger – around 11:30 a.m.

The suspect fled the scene “southbound through the park,” leaving the victim with “minor physical injuries,” according to police.

The Integrated Forensic Identification Service attended to process the scene, and investigators canvassed the area for witnesses and video, police said.

They described the suspect as a white man in his 30s who stands approximately 6′ tall. He was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, khaki pants and white shoes.

“Given the violent nature of this assault, we are encouraging members of our community to exercise vigilance while our investigators work to identify and locate the suspect,” said Staff Sgt. Rob Dixon, detachment commander for White Rock RCMP, in the release.

Police asked anyone who has dash cam or surveillance video from the area to call them at 778-545-4800. The file number is 2025-5501.