POLICE have renewed appeals for help from the public in their hunt for a rapist.

The man struck in the village of Middleton-St-George, near Darlington, six months ago, pouncing on his 30-year-old victim as she made her way home following a night out.

He then dragged her off the street and raped her, leaving the woman seriously traumatised.

Despite extensive police inquiries and appeals for witnesses the rape has remained unsolved.

Police said they remain convinced that the attacker either lives in Middleton-St-George or frequents it regu- larly.

Detective Inspector Ian Phillips, of Darlington police, said: "People will still be talking about this incident, and if they have heard anything we would ask them to give us a call.

"Our inquiries are still continuing, and we are currently awaiting the results of forensic tests that have been carried out."

Police have been hampered by the lack of a detailed description given to them by the woman, who was attacked near Dinsdale railway station.

She could only tell detectives the rapist was about 6ft, of stocky build and with short hair.

Anyone with information about the rape, which happened in the early hours of April 21, is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681.