POLICE are seeking a motorist who stopped to help officers struggling to arrest a violent teenager, but left before they could thank him.

Officers were called to a disturbance at the community centre in Sykes Road, Burnopfield, near Stanley, County Durham, on Sunday night.

They tried to arrest a 15-year-old youth, but for several minutes he put up a fierce struggle in a bid to get away.

A passing motorist saw what was happening, stopped his car and lent a hand. Once the youth was handcuffed, the helpful driver got back in his vehicle and drove off without giving his name.

Both officers suffered cuts and bruises during the struggle, but were fit to continue their tour of duty.

Sergeant Audra Newman said she was hoping the man would contact them so they could thank him for his assistance.

"Without any doubt, we could have been more seriously hurt if this man had not seen what was happening and stopped to help. His actions made our job much easier and we were able to make the arrest and deal with the situation," she said.

The motorist was in his thirties and about 6ft. He had black hair and was of slim build. He wore jeans and a T-shirt and was driving a red car with a woman in the front passenger seat.

The man is asked to contact Sgt Newman at Stanley police station on (01207) 232144.

l A teenager has been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and a public order offence. He was bailed to appear at Consett Magistrates' Court later this month