POLICE have issued an electronically produced image of a man who is suspected of assaulting a woman early on Sunday.

The 41-year-old victim was left shocked and injured after being grabbed by the neck and pulled to the ground by her attacker just before 1am.

She had been walking home near the recreation ground in the Etherley Lane area of Bishop Auckland, when she was approached from behind.

The man who attacked her is described as white, in his early 20s, 6ft and of average build. His blond hair was brushed forward and he was clean shaven.

He wore a grey canvas sports top with a lighter coloured horizontal stripe across the centre. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bishop Auckland CID on (01388) 603566, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.