DETECTIVES hunting a rapist who subjected a teenage girl to a knife-point ordeal have issued more details about the attack.

The 17-year-old was forced behind Braefell Court, in Albany, Washington, Wearside, where she was raped.

Officers said the girl had been a passenger on a 194 bus from Heworth, in Gateshead, to Easington Lane, near Sunderland.

She got off in Albany Way, at 8.30pm on Thursday, and was walking along the path near Albany Village Centre when the attacker struck.

The girl is being comforted by her family and specially-trained police officers.

Police want to hear from anyone who was a passenger on the bus, or was in the area on the night of the attack.

The rapist was in his thirties, 5ft 7in to 5ft 10in, stocky to plump, with a chubby face. He had medium length dark brown or black hair, going grey at the sides, stubble and a tanned complexion.

Police have warned women in the area to take extra care, but have ruled out any link with the rape of a 15-year-old girl in nearby Oxclose, in July.

Anyone with information is asked to call Washington CID on 0191-454 7555.