NOTE: This story contains material some readers may find confronting.
Police have launched an investigation following the sexual assault of a woman aged in her 80s near Maitland overnight.
Officers were told the woman was walking in Brooklyn Park between Kilkenny Circuit and Chelmsford Drive at about 7:30pm when she was forced to the ground by a male who attempted to sexually assault her.
The male fled and the woman contacted a family member who then alerted police. She was taken to hospital for treatment.
Strike Force Bosgar has been established to investigate. Police would like to speak with a teenage boy having a dark complexion, wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts who as seen leaving the scene on a push scooter.
Anyone with information or footage is being urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers.
If you or anyone you know needs support call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.