POSTERS are going up across a North-East city urging people to help track down the man who sexually assaulted an 87-year-old widow.

Frances Doran was subjected to an ordeal at her flat, in Woodstock Avenue, Grangetown, Sunderland, on the night of Friday, November 16.

Mrs Doran, who has waived her right to anonymity in the hope of helping to catch the attacker, is in a stable condition in Sunderland Royal Hospital, where she is being treated for a pre-existing heart condition, which was aggravated by the attack.

A local newspaper, which has offered a £1,000 reward for information about the culprit, has printed 150 posters that will be distributed around the city. An anonymous businessman has put up a further £1,000 reward.

On Friday night, police stopped motorists in the area near Mrs Doran's home, in the hope of finding potential witnesesses.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Anything which helps our inquiry is to be welcomed."

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the police's confidential hot line, on 0191-563 6202, or Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.