POLICE are hunting a rapist who attacked a 17-year-old woman in broad daylight.

Detectives in Wearside want information to help catch the man who attacked the teenager as she walked along a bridle path, close to Monkwearmouth College, Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring.

A man grabbed the teenager from behind and dragged her 30 yards down the path before pushing her into bushes where the attack took place.

The attacker, who spoke with a mild Sunderland accent, was between 30 and 40-years-old, 5ft 6in, with a medium to stocky build and green-blue eyes. He had shaved, dark brown hair which was growing back, a light tanned complexion and was wearing a black adidas jacket with an emblem on the left side, black jogging bottoms and Nike trousers.

Anyone with information on the attack, which occurred at 11am on Thursday, October 19, should contact Houghton-le-Spring CID on 0191-454 7555