The attack, which took place at 2.15 am on Sunday occurred as the woman – who is reported to be in her 40s – was walking alone along Springfield Road towards the junction of Val Plaisant and Trinity Road.
The woman reported that she heard the man say ‘I’m sorry’ before grabbing her from behind and trying to pull her into a car park on Springfield Road, the police said.
The man has been described as Portuguese, in his late 30s, 6 ft tall, with a broad muscular build and short dark hair, styled slightly longer on the top, with dark eyes and eyebrows.
He was reported to be wearing black trousers with a black short-sleeved top and is also believed to have tattoos on both arms.
Following the incident, the man walked off in the direction of Rouge Bouillon.
Police are appealing for information and said they would especially like to hear from drivers or taxi drivers with
dash-cams who were in this area around that time.
Police have confirmed that the woman, while shaken by the attack, was not injured and did not require any hospital treatment.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 612612 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
