A woman escaped an assault Thursday, police said in asking for help finding her attacker.

The woman, 30, was walking on Pleasant Street toward Central Square shortly before midnight when she a man came up behind her and put his hand over her mouth, police said. She broke free and ran up Pleasant Street to River Street, where she was able to find people to help her contact police.

She was taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries from the assault.

The suspect is described as white or Hispanic, around 6-foot-2-inches tall, with a very thin build. He had something on his head, possibly a hat or headphones, and was wearing a gray hoodie or a gray track jacket.

Police advise women to be cautious when out walking alone at night and, when possible, to walk with someone else. The Police Department also advises people walking at night not to wear headphones and to stay aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with information about the assault is asked to call the Cambridge Police Detective Bureau at (617) 349-3370.