DETECTIVES hunting a shaven-headed man who carried out an early hours sex attack on a teenage girl have had an encouraging response to pleas for help.

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.

Detective Inspector Mick Nail said last night: "Since the release of the e-fit and the posters which have gone up in the town centre we have had an encouraging response from members of the public.

"Some people have called anonymously while others have left their contact details, for which we are grateful.

"Various names have been suggested for the man in the e-fit and obviously all the information passed on is being followed up.

"But we are still keen to hear from anyone else who has not yet come forward."

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

Anyone with information can call Chester-le-Street CID, on 0191-3752357, the non-emergency number for Durham Police, on 0845-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.