A WOMAN was attacked from behind as she walked to her boyfriend's house after a night out.

The man struck shortly before midnight on Friday, and attempted to overpower the woman, but was forced to run off when she began shouting.

The attack, which happened outside the fish and chip shop on Bolckow Street, Guisborough, east Cleveland, left her badly shaken, with minor cuts and bruises.

"This was very frightening for the victim and catching this man is a very high priority," said Acting Sergeant Dave Chard, of Cleveland Police.

"It could have been much more serious, but as we don't know what his motive was we can only speculate."

The man was described as 19, 5ft 4in, with blond spiky hair.

Acting Sgt Chard added: "It is not a high crime area but I would advise people, especially young women, to stick to well lit areas and use a common sense approach to crime prevention."

Anyone who witnessed the attack or has any other information, is asked to call (01642) 302626.