POLICE took to the streets last night to gather information about a sex attack.

A week after a 17-year-old college student was set upon by three men wielding sticks in Durham, detectives and plain-clothed officers spoke to people in and around New Elvet between 10pm and midnight.

They were hoping that people may have been out at the same time last Thursday and could have vital information about the attack, which took place at about 11.25pm.

The girl was walking home from a night out when she was attacked by three young men who appeared to have been having a mock sword fight with sticks.

She was knocked unconscious near Dunelm House, the Durham Students' Union building, and was dragged or carried on to a grassed area.

A couple have come forward following a police appeal for witnesses, but detectives still want to hear from another couple who tried to produce driving documents at the city's police station at about midnight, and two men and a woman in the area who may be students.

Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Watson said: "We put officers on the street between 10pm and midnight in the hope that they could pick up important information about the attack.

"They were speaking to people at Dunelm House for the same reason."

Detectives have been studying security camera footage, including film from Dunelm House, in their search for witnesses and clues.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack, or who has information about it, has been asked to contact police on 0191-386 4222, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.