Police hunt elderly man over sex assault

An elderly man in his 70s with a protruding belly allegedly asked a 29-year-old woman for a hug before sexually assaulting her in Melbourne.

Police are searching for the man who they say followed the woman to her car in Prahran 12 days ago.

The 29-year-old victim was approached by the man on the Saturday afternoon as she was walking towards her car.

He said his name was Peter and asked for a hug.

She obliged but felt uncomfortable and pushed him off but he followed her to her car and grabbed hold of the door as she got in, refusing to let go.

The man, said to be aged around 70 with a protruding belly and a European accent, then reached inside and sexually assaulted her, police said on Thursday.