POLICE investigating a sex attack on a 17-year-old student have traced a couple who could hold vital information.

But they are still seeking other people who were in New Elvet, Durham City, late last Thursday night when the slightly-built victim, who is studying at a college on the city's outskirts, was attacked by three young men.

"The first couple we wanted to speak to came forward immediately after we put out our media appeal. But we still haven't traced the others and we would like them to come forward," said a police spokesman.

Police are seeking two men and a woman, possibly students, who were also walking along New Elvet in the opposite direction to the victim.

They also want to hear from a man and a woman who called at the police station at about midnight to produce driving documents.

The attack happened at about 11.25pm. The victim was knocked unconscious by her attackers who were apparently having a mock sword fight with sticks.

They dragged or carried her to a grassed area where the sex attack took place.

The incident happened near Dunelm House, the Durham Students' Union building, and police have examined the building's CCTV footage.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Durham police on (0191) 386 4222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.