POLICE have released an e-fit of a man wanted in connection with an indecent assault on a 30-year-old woman on New Years Day.

The attack happened in Broadwood Road, Scotswood, Newcastle, at about 3.30am.

A police spokesman said the victim was walking alone when her attacker got out of a burgundy Ford Escort and grabbed her.

The woman, who screamed and struggled to get free, was forced to the ground and indecently assaulted.

The suspect drove off when two men arrived at the scene.

Police are linking the incident with one at 1.45am the same day, in the same street, when the driver of a Ford Escort tried to stop a 42-year-old woman.

The man, who beckoned her into his car, drove off when her husband appeared.

The attacker is described as having dark skin, aged 33 to 38, of thin build and between 5ft 9in and 5ft 11in. He has short black hair, with a square hairline, and facial stubble. He had dark eyes and eyebrows and was wearing a black T-shirt and possibly blue jeans.

His car was a Mark 2 Escort hatchback, of brown or burgundy colour, with an RS on the boot.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact 0191-214 6555, extension 62354.