POLICE are investigating two alleged sex attacks only a few miles apart in the early hours of yesterday.

Officers are investigating an attempted rape in Spennymoor and a rape in Ferryhill, both County Durham, although officers are not linking the two incidents.

Inspector Phil Curtis, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said the attempted rape was reported to have happened in a street in Spennymoor.

"A female has been allegedly attacked by a male in the early hours," he said.

A local man in his 20s was arrested and interviewed before being released on bail pending further inquiries.

Insp Curtis said a second man was arrested after reports of an alleged rape in Ferryhill at about the same time. Last night, he was still helping police with their inquiries.