Woman assaulted on NSW beach

A woman has been grabbed, dragged into sand dunes and sexually assaulted on a NSW beach, police say.

The 21-year-old was walking alone along Fairy Meadow Beach near Wollongong in the early hours of Wednesday morning when a man grabbed her from behind and dragged her to nearby sand dunes.

Police say he sexually assaulted her before running away.

Passers-by who heard the woman scream went to her aid and called emergency services.

She was taken to Wollongong Hospital for treatment.

Police say the man is of Caucasian appearance, approximately 170cm tall, with a small build.

He was wearing shorts and a black and silver necklace.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police.