A YOUNG woman was targeted in broad daylight by a sex attacker while she was out walking her dog, police have revealed.

A police spokesman said the attack happened as the 25-year-old victim was taking her pet for a walk on a footpath next to the old railway line at Shield Row, Stanley, on Sunday, April 3.

The spokesman said: "A man in his early twenties, riding a BMX-style bike which appeared too small for him, approached the woman and followed her for some distance on his cycle.

"He then spoke to her and got off the bike before carrying out an indecent assault, after which he got back on the bike and rode off in the direction of Tanfield Lea."

The victim was left badly shaken by the attack, but not physically hurt.

Her assailant was 5ft 8in or 5ft 9in, wearing baggy blue jeans, a darker coloured baggy jumper, possibly with a hood, trainers and a baseball cap.

A number of people were believed to be using the footpath in the area at the time and police are appealing for anyone who saw the man, or the incident itself, to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact PC Andrew Hartley on 0845 6060365 or 0800 555111.