A WOMAN who was violently assaulted has praised the people who came to her aid.

The 49-year-old has come forward in an attempt to jog people's memories in the hope that the man who attempted to rape her is caught before he strikes again.

The woman, from Thornaby, near Stockton, was on a footpath near Teesside Retail Park when she was attacked at 6pm on Thursday, June 10.

Despite the ferocity of the attack, during which she was repeatedly punched in the face and suffered a fractured cheekbone, she fought the man off and fled towards the Pets At Home store, where a female motorist stopped and called the police.

Staff in the shop also helped her and another woman has since reported seeing a man at about the same time crossing the A66.

"I was extremely grateful to all the people who helped me," the woman said.

"Unfortunately, nowadays people will not get involved when they see a crime happening. They just tend to look the other way because they do not want to get involved. But these people helped."

The attacker is described as white, in his early 30s, and about 5ft 8in tall. He had very dark hair and was of lean build.

He was wearing a dark blue or dark green polo shirt and matching trousers, similar to a warehouse-type uniform.

The victim said: "He definitely would have had my blood on him. He could even be from around here and if he went home to a wife, partner or friends they may have noticed something different.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Mark Adams on (01642) 302226.