POLICE were last night hunting a man who raped a young clubber in a North-East park in an "horrific" sex attack.

The 21-year-old woman, from Darlington, was attacked in the early hours of Saturday morning.

She had met her attacker outside the town's Plastered Parrot night spot on Friday night before going on with him to the Mardi Gras nightclub in Gladstone Street.

They spoke to several other people in the club before leaving at about 1.30am on Saturday.

It was while they were walking through North Lodge Park, just 50 yards from the club, that he attacked and raped the victim, who is only 5ft 3ins tall.

Afterwards, she ran out of the North Lodge Terrace entrance to the park, and asked for help from three young women getting into a car being driven by a man.

They comforted her while they drove her to parents' home, who contacted police.

Police are now anxious to speak to the three young women, who they have dubbed as "Good Samaritans", to help with their inquiries.

Acting Detective Inspector Kevin Weir, of Darlington CID, said it was possible other witnesses could help police.

He said: "We are currently studying the borough council's CCTV footage and believe there were other people in the area who can help us with important information.

"The victim has been badly traumatised by what was a particularly nasty attack and it is imperative we find the man responsible as quickly as possible."

The attacker is described as being about 22 years old, about 5ft 7ins tall, clean shaven with short black hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones, of Darlington Police, said officers could ask clubbers at the Mardi Gras for help this weekend.

"We have several good lines of inquiry going at the moment, but would like to hear from anyone who has information, particularly an identification of this man," he said.

Anyone with information should contact police on (01325) 467681