Somerville police urge caution after woman assaulted Monday near Davis Square

The woman was attacked from behind while walking toward Cambridge on Dover Street, police said.

By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

A 32-year-old woman was sexually assaulted after leaving the Davis Square T station Monday night, and now the Somerville Police are urging women to be cautious while walking city streets after dark.

The unidentified woman was talking on her cellphone on Dover Street, walking toward Cambridge, when a man dressed in all black approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her, according to a statement by police.

The woman turned around, saw her assailant, and screamed, running into the street, police said. The man fled toward Davis Square.

The suspect was described as a black man about 6 feet tall who dressed in all black clothing and wore a black baseball cap.

Police advise anyone, especially women, to take commonsense precautions, including walking on well-lit streets and on familiar streets; avoid listening to headphones or earbuds; and keep cellphones accessible, but avoid unnecessary calls.

Officers have increased patrols in marked and unmarked police cars in the Davis Square neighborhood.

To report a suspicious person or a crime, call 911 immediately.

Matt Byrne can be reached at mbyrne.globe@gmail.com.