A NIGHT-TIME attacker fled after assaulting a young Bishop Auckland woman outside a flat.

The victim was using a key to open the door of the flat in Peel Street at five minutes past ten on Sunday when she was pushed hard from behind.

She hit her face on the wall of the building when she was shoved against the door by a man, who then ran off in the direction of South Church.

He was described as white, of thin build, about 5ft 8in, with short dark hair. He wore light jeans or trousers and a dark shirt.

Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time, or who saw someone running towards South Church around the time of the attack, to contact Acting Sergeant Darren Phillips, at Bishop Auckland police station, on (01388) 603566.