Man broke into St. Catharines apartment and assaulted woman inside: Niagara police

Niagara police are searching for a man who broke into a St. Catharines apartment unit and assaulted a woman sleeping in her bed.

Police were called to an apartment in the area of Manchester Ave. and Hampstead Pl. just before 9 a.m. on Monday.

The woman told police she had been asleep in her apartment when she woke to find a man had broken in.

Police say she was physically assaulted. In the struggle, she was able to scratch the man in the face near his eyes before running from the apartment to a neighbour to call 911.

The suspect ran from the scene. Police believe he forced open a sliding door to get in.

The man is believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, heavy set and 5’2 to 5’6. He was wearing a black hoody, black gloves and light-coloured jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-688-4111 ext. 1009482.

Police say the victim received minor injuries. There is no allegation of sexual assault.