POLICE have released an e-fit of a man they want to question in connection with the sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman.

A police spokesman said a woman was walking from Newcastle towards Gateshead, across the Redheugh Bridge, at about 3.30am on Saturday, when a man riding a bicycle approached her and struck up a conversation.

When she got to the Gateshead side of the bridge, he suggested they take a short cut under the bridge and sexually assaulted her as she walked under the bridge.

The woman ran off towards the Clasper Village area when the man caught up with her and stole her handbag.

She received minor injuries and was shocked and distressed.

Property from the handbag was recovered the next day near a path between the Redheugh Bridge and Baja Beach Club.

The bag itself, which is black with a black rope type handle, some cash and a mobile phone, have yet to be found.

The man is described as white, approximately 18-years-old, with a triangular face and protruding ears. He spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a light-coloured jacket and riding a mountain bike, which he rode off on after stealing the handbag.

Anyone with information should contact 0191 454 7555, ext 64345 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.