DETECTIVES hunting a man who carried out a sex attack on a teenage girl have had an encouraging response to appeals for information.

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

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

As she walked along Pentland Court, by a block of flats next 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 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. Various names have been suggested for the man in the E-fit. We are still keen to hear from anyone else who has not yet come forward."

The attacker was stocky, had stubble on his chin and wore a long-sleeved dress shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0191-375-2357 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.