DETECTIVES investigating the indecent assault of a woman at the weekend believe her drink may have been spiked by her attacker.

Police in Sedgefield are appealing for information into the assault which happened in a village pub on Friday night.

The victim, who is in her 30s, had spent most of the evening with a friend, drinking in the Crosshills Hotel, in The Square.

During the course of the evening three men, none of whom they recognised, started chatting to the pair.

One of them repeatedly offered to buy the victim a drink and insisted it was served in a particular glass. But, after drinking some of the contents, which police believe had been spiked, the woman felt unwell and made her way towards the lavatories.

The man who had bought her the drink followed and pulled her into the men's lavatory, where he carried out the assault, at about 11.15pm.

The victim later reported the incident to police.

Her attacker was described as 35, 6ft and slim. He was clean shaven, with a prominent nose and possibly blue, eyes. He was well-groomed, with light brown hair gelled back, and wore a blue shirt with a diamond pattern and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe police on (01325) 314401.