A TEENAGER suffered a terrifying ordeal after a man leapt out at her from bushes and indecently assaulted her.

The incident happened at about 9.15pm on Sunday as the 14-year-old was walking along Bishopton Road, in Stockton, near Newtown Methodist Church.

She was heading towards Gray's Road and as she passed the bushes, with Wrensfield Beck to her left, a man who had been hiding in the bushes grabbed her left arm and pulled her through them.

He then tripped her onto the ground before trying to kiss her and attempting to put his hand up her top.

The girl struggled and the man kicked and slapped her before making off.

He is described as about 6ft tall, of thin build with dark or tanned skin.

He had dark hair with a high fringe and shaved around the sides and back. He also had what looked like a burn scar below his right eye on his cheek

He had an oval shaped face with a prominent round chin and blue eyes.

It is thought he may have had a foreign accent.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information to contact PC Margaret McDonald on (01642) 302226.