Police are now hunting for the man, thought to be aged in his 30s and who was dressed in black when he ambushed the woman in Crows Nest about 10.25pm on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old woman, who is employed as a nurse, told police she was walking along Falcon Street when the man grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth and tried to force her into the boot of a silver or grey sedan.

The woman began screaming loudly and punched the man in the groin, forcing him to release her.

The woman fell to the ground, and the man got back in his car and drove away.

The distraught woman raised the alarm at a Caltex Service Station a short distance away on Falcon Street.

Police from the Harbourside local area command were called to the service station, but could not find any trace of the man.

 

The woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital where she was treated for a number of minor injuries, including grazing, bruising and swelling.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said police investigating the incident believed it was a random attack.

Police described the man as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern or Indian/subcontinental appearance, aged in his early to mid 30s, about 175 centimetres tall with a stocky build and short, dark hair.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a black T-shirt and black pants.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.