DETECTIVES are hunting a sex attacker following a vicious assault on a 36-year-old woman.

The mother-of-three had been walking home at about 9.15pm on Thursday, in Langley Moor, near Durham City, following a night out with family and friends.

She decided to walk after missing a bus, but as she neared Lloyds Bank, a man tried to strike up a conversation with her.

The woman bluntly declined and seconds later he pushed her on to some grass. She was then dragged into bushes, shouting and screaming, and subjected to a sustained indecent assault.

The woman, who defended herself vigorously, was hit across the face before the attacker fled towards the main road, between the Station pub and a fish shop.

Her screams for help were heard, but by the time people arrived, the attacker had fled.

Detective Constable Lee Elsdon said the woman had put up a "spirited resistance" but had been left deeply traumatised.

The man was described as white, in his early twenties, 5ft 10in and of "podgy" build. He had dark hair and wore a small, round earring in his left ear and a small, square gold ring on his right hand ring finger.

He wore dark blue jeans, and hooded sports top with a large pouch-style pocket.

Anyone who recognises the attacker is asked to call Durham Policeon 0191-386 4222, or Crime-stoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.