Hamilton police investigate serious sexual assault

Hamilton police are investigating a serious sexual assault.

On Monday at around 2:55 a.m., police say they were flagged down by a witness in the area of 353 Barton Street East after a woman was found to be seriously assaulted in a nearby alleyway.

The 46-year-old woman was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition. She remains in hospital.

Investigators say they have determined based on evidence that the assault contained a sexual component and are treating the incident as a sexual assault investigation.

Police are seeking a tall young black man with short braided hair wearing a black and white track suit. He fled on foot westbound on Barton Street East.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.