REVELLERS are being urged to help police in the hunt for a shaven-headed man who carried out an early-hours sex attack on a teenage girl.

The 19-year-old victim was attacked at 4.30am on Saturday, August 4, in the West Lane area of Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

She had been out for the night and had planned to stay at a friend's flat, but at around 4am she changed her mind and opted to walk the short distance to the town centre to catch a taxi home.

As she walked down Pentland Court, by a block of flats adjacent to the railway line, she was stopped by a man, aged about 40.

The man, who was 6ft and had short or shaved hair, pulled out a knife and subjected the teenager to a serious sexual assault, leaving her uninjured but badly shaken and distressed.

Her attacker was stocky, with a round face, had stubble on his chin and wore a long-sleeved dress shirt.

The victim has been able to help police compile an e-fit picture of the man, and his image has been included on posters which were distributed around Chester-le-Street over the weekend.

The posters ask anyone who recognises the man, or has any information about the attack, to ring the police or Crimestoppers.

"This man subjected his victim to a terrifying ordeal at knifepoint and it is vital we hear from anyone who knows his identity.

"We believe he has a connection to the area and may use this particular route on a regular basis," said Detective Inspector Eric Malkin.

Anyone with information can call Chester-le-Street CID, on 0191-375-2357, the non-emergency number for Durham Police, on 0845-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.