Woman 'sexually assaulted' on NSW beach

A man has been charged after he allegedly raped a woman in broad daylight on a northern NSW beach.

Police would not confirm if the pair were known to each other but say the 33-year-old man sexually assaulted the 29-year-old victim at a beach in East Ballina on Sunday morning.

The man was arrested after being caught by witnesses who chased him down following the attack, police said.

He was charged with sexual intercourse without consent and is due to face Lismore Local Court on Monday.