Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a male suspected of trying to sexually assault a Northwestern student early Sunday morning near Dempster Street.

The male approached the 23-year-old student just after midnight in the 1300 block of Maple Avenue, according to police. He knocked her to the ground and attempted to undress her.

The student tried to defend herself, but the male continued to attack her, police said. She suffered facial injuries and was treated at a hospital.

Before the attack, the male had been walking east on Dempster Street toward Maple Avenue, according to police.

Police described the male as between 5 foot 7 and 5 foot 8 tall, having fair skin and a slim build, and wearing blue jeans, a dark coat and possibly a knit cap.

The incident appears isolated, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Evanston Police Department by calling 847-866-5000 or submit an anonymous tip by texting “EPD Tip” followed by the details to CRIMES (274637).

— Patrick Svitek