Santa Barbara County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the sexual assault of a 71-year-old woman early Sunday, department spokesman Drew Sugars said. The attack occurred in the woman’s home in the 100 block of Kalley Drive, just off Cathedral Oaks Road in west Goleta.

The woman said she was awakened around 3:15 a.m. Sunday by strange sounds inside her house. Upon investigation she discovered a man had gained entry through an unlocked window.

The suspect sexually assaulted the woman before fleeing the scene on foot, Sugars said. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male wearing glasses.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 805.681.4150 or the anonymous tip line at 805.681.4171.

Write to wmacfadyen@noozhawk.com