54DETECTIVES have appealed for witnesses to an indecent assault on a woman making her way home just yards from her workplace near Durham city centre.

The incident took place as the 43-year-old victim was heading to her car from the National Savings' Milburngate House offices.

As she approached the Ford Focus, parked next to the new Pennyferry Bridge on nearby Framwelgate Waterside, she was attacked from behind and indecently assaulted by a man of Asian, possibly Iranian appearance. A brief scuffle followed during which the woman fell to the ground, suffering bruising, while she was also badly shaken at the ordeal.

Her assailant ran off over the footbridge and out of sight via the car park alongside the Kascada Bowl, on the other side of the river. He is described as 5ft 6-7ins, and was wearing dark clothing and a dark woolly hat.

The victim, who police are hoping might have been seen by passers-by before the attack, was wearing a cream fleece jacket and black trousers.

Witnesses of the incident, last Thursday at about 5.15pm, should call Det Sgt Steve Kitching or Det Con Dave Wilson, at Durham City CID, on (0191) 386 4222.