Woman sexually assaulted on busy Vic road

A woman has been sexually assaulted while walking home on a busy Melbourne road.

Police say the 30-year-old woman was on her way home from the Noble Park railway station on Monday night when she was attacked.

The man tried to strike up a conversation with her as she was walking along Heatherton Road while blocking her path.

When she changed direction he grabbed her by the hand and neck and sexually assaulted her.

During the scuffle, the woman fell to the ground but managed to kick free of the man, who then fled.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Amor said the woman was "coping very well under the circumstances" but the attack on a busy suburban road was proof Victorians can be vulnerable anywhere.

"I think naturally we think these things are going to happen in very isolated areas but this is just evidence they can happen anywhere," Det Sgt Amor said on Wednesday.

"People need to walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and don't compromise your own safety."

Police believe a number of people were nearby at the time of the attack, and have urged them to come forward.

The man is described as around 183cm tall, of Indian appearance and aged in his early-to-mid 20s.

He wore a dark sports jumper with a white zip, fitted pants, light-coloured shoes and a beanie.

They have released an image of a man wanted for questioning over the attack.