Detectives with the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit are looking for witnesses and the man responsible for an attempted sexual assault that took place early this morning.

Shortly before 5:00 a.m., a 26-year-old woman was getting into her parked car on East 7th Avenue near Windermere Street. She was approached from behind by a man dressed in dark clothing who grabbed and punched her, and attempted to remove some of her clothing.

The woman fought back and screamed, drawing the attention of several people in nearby homes and scaring off her attacker.

Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and canvass for any potential video in the area.

Police are hoping to speak with anyone who may have observed any suspicious people or vehicles in the area prior to the attack or in the previous couple of days.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the VPD Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.