POLICE have made a renewed appeal to catch a man who repeatedly punched a 20-year-old woman in the face as he tried to rape her.

The victim was severely traumatised by the assault, which took place in Mandale Triangle, Thornaby, Teesside, over the Easter weekend.

A month after the assault, detectives are still searching for the attacker, who they described as "a danger to women".

The woman was walking to Thornaby from Stockton town centre at about 3am on March 28 when she was approached by the man near to Victoria Bridge.

The victim had been crying following an argument with a friend and when she refused the man's offer of comfort, he dragged her to the ground and punched her repeatedly in the face.

The attacker fled when he was disturbed by several members of the public who came to the woman's aid.

Detective Constable John Scott, who is investigating the attack for Cleveland Police, said: "We have here an individual who is very clearly a danger to women. We would appeal to anyone who knows anything to come forward so we can apprehend this individual."

The victim, who is a care worker, suffered bruising and swelling to both eyes as well as cuts and scratches to her body.

Det Con Scott said: "These incidents are rare, but we would encourage females returning home at night, especially in that area, to take a taxi or to ensure that they are accompanied by another person."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 302233.