Woman sexually assaulted while walking her dog in Croydon

Police are hunting a man who handed a woman a flower before sexually assaulting her while she was walked her dog in Melbourne's east.

Officers have been told the 56-year-old Croydon woman was walking her dog along Dorset Recreation Trail near Parrs Road in Croydon about 10.30am on Thursday, August 22.

"She was approached by an unknown man who handed her a flower before sexually assaulting her," a police spokeswoman said.

The offender has been described as Indian or Sri Lankan in appearance, between the ages of 50 and 60 and about 170cm tall with a slim build.

He was wearing a grey beanie, dark coloured coat and dark coloured pants.

Investigators have released a digital image of a man that may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au