A TEENAGE girl was subjected to a serious sexual assault as she walked through an area of wasteground.

Police last night revealed details of the attack and urged parents to be mindful of the vulnerability of youngsters out late at night.

An appeal for witnesses has been launched following the assault, which took place in the early hours of Saturday.

Police were called to the girls aid just after 2am after she was attacked in the grounds of the Acklam Iron Steel and Athletic Club, on Park Road South, in Middlesbrough.

The teenager, from the Pallister Park area, had been out with friends in an area known locally as Jellystone Park, which is open ground between Easson Street and Lambton Road.

She had arranged to stay overnight at a friend's house, and at 2am left the group of youths to make her way towards the house, assuming her friend would already be there.

But she was then grabbed from behind as she passed the entrance to the grounds of the club and pushed inside into bushes near the fence where she was sexually assaulted.

Detective Sergeant Steve Young said: "I would like to hear from anyone in the area at the time of the offence. In particular, anyone who had visited the Iron Steel and Athletic Club earlier or anyone else who was in the vicinity around that time."

The attacker is described as a white male, in his 30s, of medium build with dark hair and facial stubble.

He had a beer belly, spoke with a local accent and was wearing dark trousers and dark footwear.

It is not known in what direction he made off.

Detective Inspector Heather Eastwood added: "Whilst this appears to be an isolated attack, I would urge parents to be mindful of the vulnerability of youngsters out late at night."

Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to call Det Sgt Young on 01642-303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.