A young woman was attacked by a balaclava-clad man, who grabbed her and attempted to drag her to the ground as she walked home in the early hours on a North East street.

The attack happened shortly after 3.20am on Sunday (September 10) as a 20-year-old woman was walking along St George’s Terrace, near Osborne Road in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Northumbria Police said it was reported the man, wearing a balaclava, grabbed the woman and attempted to drag her to the ground.

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Following a short struggle, the woman was able to get to safety and the offender made off.

The victim was left "understandably shaken" by the incident and is being offered support by officers.

A full investigation has been launched into the assault and police have asked anyone who witnessed anything, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Ben McIntosh, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is clearly a worrying incident, and I would like to praise the victim for her incredible bravery shown.

“We are carrying out a range of enquiries into the assault, which is of concern to us, and are determined to ensure the person responsible is swiftly located and brought to justice.

“At this early stage, we are keeping an open mind as to the full circumstances surrounding this appalling and unprovoked attack.

“To offer reassurance, we are carrying out increased patrols in and around the area and anybody with any concerns is encouraged to speak to us.

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“I am today asking residents and businesses in that area, or anybody who may have been driving in that location in the early hours of Sunday, to check any CCTV or dashcam footage and let us know if you see anything that rouses suspicion.

“Your information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – could be valuable to our investigation.”

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230910-0200.