Woman sexually assaulted in the South End; fights off attacker

Boston Police report a woman was attacked around 4:45 a.m. today at Columbus Avenue and Dartmouth Street.

Police say the woman managed to fend off her attacker, who ran down Columbus toward Clarendon.

Police described the man as slim with a muscular build and possibly in his 20s. He was dressed in a black hoodie with something covering his face and low-slung jeans with plaid boxer shorts. The woman was unable to see his race.

Police say they've stepped up patrols in the area.