RCMP looking for dashcam footage after 'bear hug' assault

Surrey RCMP is appealing to the public for dashcam footageafter a woman was assaulted in the Newton area on Thursday morning.

A statement said the woman, who is in her 20s, was grabbed from behind and "bear hugged" as she was walking along the 12500 block of 72 Avenue around 5:30 a.m. PT.

RCMP said the suspect alsocovered the woman's mouth with his hand. She screamed, bit him, freed herself and ran away.

The suspect is described as a man about five feet tall with a beard and medium build.

Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit is appealing to members of the public who may have dash-cam video of the 12500 block of 72ndAvenue between 5a.m.and 6a.m. on Thursday.

Anyone who may have been in the area at that time or who may have information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.