POLICE have renewed their appeal for witnesses to help catch a youth who sexually assaulted a 77-year-old woman.

The attack happened as the grandmother walked her dogs on Bishop Auckland's Woodhouse Close estate on Saturday, August 25, at 11pm.

The teenager grabbed the woman as she walked along Price Avenue, pushed her over and indecently assaulted her.

He then ran off in the direction of Lowther Road, leaving the elderly woman with bruises and injuries to her face and severely shocked.

A friend of the victim said the pensioner was still suffering from the shock of the assault, but everyone on the estate had rallied round, inundating her with flowers and chocolates and offers to accompany her while she walks her dogs.

Police are still trying to track down the teenage attacker, who is described as 15 to 18 years old, between 5ft 6in and 6ft tall, of slim build, clean shaven and with short brown hair. He was wearing a dark top with a zip and light coloured tracksuit bottoms at the time of the attack.

Anyone who thinks they may recognise the description is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.