TORONTO -- Toronto police are investigating an alleged sexual assault in the city's east end.

Police say a woman walking (near Markham Road and Eglinton Avenue East) after midnight this morning was approached from behind and put in a headlock.

They say when she fell to the ground, her attacker tried to choke her with a piece of clothing and sexually assaulted her during the struggle.

Police say the woman was then able to escape.

Investigators are seeking a suspect described as white, between 50 and 55 years old, five feet 10 inches tall and 190 pounds.