This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

A woman was sexually assaulted at Manhattan Beach early Sunday morning while the attacker forced her male companion to lie face down in the sand, authorities said.

A lifeguard tower is seen at Manhattan Beach. (Credit: RMG News)
A lifeguard tower is seen at Manhattan Beach. (Credit: RMG News)

The incident occurred about 12:16 a.m. at the 3400 block of the waterline (map), according to a news release from the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

The male and female victims, both in their 40s, were approached by a man described as Hispanic, the release said.

The attacker “simulated the use of a handgun” when he forced the male victim to lie down during the  sexual assault of the woman, police said.

After robbing the couple, the assailant fled southbound on foot. Authorities conducted a search of the area but were unable to locate him.

Manhattan Beach police detectives are investigating the incident.