A 35-year-old woman suffered a stroke after being sexually assaulted by a burglar who broke into a home in Melbourne's south-east.

The woman claims she was indecently assaulted by a man smelling strongly of alcohol at a property in Gwent Street, Springvale South, on Monday at around 1.10pm.

She screamed and the alleged attacker fled along Lansor Road.

She was taken to hospital with cuts and bruises but later suffered a stroke, police say.

Police have released a photo-fit of a man they believe could help with their investigation.

The woman has described her attacker as being of African appearance, in his late 30s to early 40s, about 140cm tall with a medium build, short dark hair and dark eyes.

She told police he was wearing dark coloured pants, a red loose fitting t-shirt, and a silver ring on his left hand.