POLICE in Newton Aycliffe are searching for a man who attacked a young woman while she was walking her dog last Friday morning.

A 23-year-old woman from the town was walking along Scholars Lane, towards Alston Crescent, near the former Dandy Cart pub, at about 2.30am, when she was attacked.

The assailant approached the woman from behind and pushed her to the ground. She screamed and struggled until she was able to break free and the attacker ran off.

The victim sustained minor injuries.

The attacker is described as white, skinny, between 5ft 9in and 6ft, with short, dark hair and was wearing dark clothing.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact Detective Sergeant Lee Herridge or Acting Detective Inspector Ian Sturrock at Newton Aycliffe CID on 0845-60-60-365.