A TOWPATH attacker left a 55-year-old Trowbridge woman with suspected broken ribs after punching her to the ground in an unprovoked assault.

The woman was walking her dog on the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath near Airsprung factory between 9pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday, when the assailant pounced from undergrowth and punched her to the ground.

Police are appealing for a passer-by, who yelled out and frightened-off the attacker to come forward, as they believe he may hold vital clues about the attacker's identity.

During the brutal assault the woman was pinned to the ground by the man sitting on her chest while she kicked and screamed.

The woman was taken to Trowbridge Community Hospital with suspected broken bones and a serious eye injury.

Police do not believe the attack was sexually motivated but a spokesman said officers are "keeping an open mind".

Spokesman Steve Coxhead said: "It is a very worrying situation and we want anyone with information to contact us.

"In particular we would like to speak to this man who disturbed the attack."

Anyone with information on the assault can call Trowbridge police on (01225) 763101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.