DETECTIVES were last night hunting the attacker who raped a teenage girl after she left a nightclub and left her semi-naked in the street.

The 16-year-old was found on the doorstep of a house in Darlington after being subjected to the harrowing ordeal.

The alarm was raised after homeowners found her in Oaklands Terrace at 3.45am on Saturday, after she had earlier left the Mardi Gras nightclub.

Police said she was in a distressed and confused state.

Leaflets have been sent to homes in the North Road area as part of a police appeal for information.

The victim, who works in a factory, spent Friday night in Darlington with her girlfriend and went on to the Mardi Gras.

But they became separated and the girl, who had been drinking, left in the early hours of Saturday.

She was seen by witnesses in Northgate at 2.30am and 3am, and police were called at 3.45am.

She had gone out wearing a low-cut red top, short black skirt with a silver chain and black thigh-length boots.

When concerned residents found her, she was wearing only the red top.

Police said last night that they believed the teenager had been attacked in the rear lane of Elmfield Terrace.

Detective Sergeant Ian Sturrock said: "We know there were a considerable number of people out on the street at that time of the morning.

"We are interested in talking to anyone who spotted the girl, particularly between 3am and 3.45am in Corporation Road, Elmfield Street, Elmfield Terrace, Thornton Street, Oaklands Terrace and North Terrace."

A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with the incident. He was released on bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.