A STREET appeal for information about a sex attack on a student has proved useful, detectives say.

Plain-clothed and uniformed officers went out in and around New Elvet, Durham City, on Thursday night, a week after the 17-year-old was attacked by three men.

Police visited Durham Student Union's Dunelm House, near where the attack took place, and spoke to people on the street in the hope they may have been out last Thursday and could have information.

A force spokesman said: "They spoke to an estimated 250 people, students and other members of the public.

"They will spend the next few days cataloguing the statements, cross-referencing it with information we already have, and seeing if it can progress the inquiry.

"The feeling is that it has been a very worthwhile exercise."

The slightly-built victim was knocked unconscious -her attackers were wielding sticks in an apparent mock sword fight -and was dragged on to a grassed area where the assault took place.

The attack took place at 11.25pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-386 4222, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.