A FRESH appeal has gone out for witnesses to help catch a teenager who indecently assaulted a 77-year-old woman.

The pensioner was attacked as she walked her dogs, at 11pm on Sunday, in Bishop Auckland's Woodhouse Close Estate.

The attack has horrified the close-knit community, but police said no witnesses had come forward.

Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson, of Bishop Auckland police, said he believed the attacker was local, with a good knowledge of the area.

He said yesterday: "We are appealing to people who have any information at all to come forward. They can even contact crimestoppers anonymously.

"We strongly believe the attacker is local, because of comments he made to the injured party.''

The teenager tracked the grandmother through three streets before he grabbed her in Price Avenue, pulling her to the ground and indecently assaulting her.

She was left in severe shock, with bruises and injuries to her face.

Det Sgt Jackson said: "It isn't that people do not care. It is how insignificant they might think their information seems.

"But we would rather they came forward and let us determine what can be of use to us.''

The attacker is described as 15 to 18 years old, about 5ft 9in, slim, clean shaven and with short, brown hair. He wore a dark top with a zip, and light or white tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone who can help detectives with their investigation is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police, on (01388) 603566, or crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.