POLICE are appealing for a man who came to the aid of a young woman being attacked yesterday morning.

The 20-year-old was walking to work in Marton Road, near the Highfield Hotel, Middlesbrough, shortly before 6am.

She was approached by a woman who demanded money from her before she pulled her to the floor and kicked and punched her.

A man in a dark blue car then stopped to help the woman and put her in his vehicle, while the woman continued assaulting her.

The woman then made off from the scene and the police were called.

The motorist then left, but did not leave his details.

Police made a search, and a woman matching the description given by the victim was stopped and arrested for assault.

She was due to be interviewed by police last night.

Police are appealing for the motorist to contact them, or any other witnesses who may have seen the incident or who knows who was responsible.

People are asked to contact Detective Constable Mark Puckrin on (01642) 313 126.