A young mother has been indecently assaulted in a "very frightening" incident as she sat on a park bench with her five-month-old baby.

The suspect approached the woman in Kilmarnock's Dean Park and asked her the time, then grabbed her and began to take off his clothes, Strathclyde Police said.

The man ran off after a nearby dog walker called out to their dog, shouting: "Brodie".

The 25-year-old woman, whose baby was in a pram, was not injured but was left very upset by the incident.

Police appealed for information about the incident which happened at around 11.30am yesterday.

Detective Inspector Scott McClelland said: "This was a very frightening experience indeed for this young mum who was enjoying a morning visit to the park with her young baby.

"Extensive inquiries are ongoing into the incident. However, I would like to reassure the public that this type of incident is unusual. We are continuing to search the area and would like to appeal to anyone who may have information to contact us.

"Dean Park is a secluded, densely wooded area and is very popular with dog walkers, particularly on a Sunday morning or afternoon. We know that the man was disturbed during his attack by a particular dog walker calling for their pet, by the name of 'Brodie'.

"I would like to appeal to the owner of that dog who was in the park at the time of incident, as they may have important information that may be able to help us with our inquiries."

The suspect is described as Asian, and had a "dirty appearance".

He had matted black hair which was brushed forward, and was wearing a dark navy Nike top or training jacket with a white Nike tick on the left-hand side.

He was also wearing black Adidas tracksuit bottoms with three stripes down the leg, and white trainers with large looped laces. He wore black, thick-padded hiking style gloves.