A SEX attack in which the victim was dumped in a deserted lay-by has been reconstructed in the hope witnesses will come forward.

Detectives have yet to arrest anyone in connection with the incident, which happened last June, despite scientists obtaining a full DNA profile of the attacker from forensic evidence.

Yesterday, police drove a white Transit van, similar to the one used in the attack, to the lay-by on the A167, between Darlington and Hurworth Place.

They are hoping the reconstruction may jog the memories of any potential witnesses.

Despite happening in the summer, police only released details at the end of December.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was picked up from Clifton Road or the Park Lane area of Darlington by a man aged between 18 and 30, on Monday, June 7, between 10pm and 10.30pm.

Instead of taking her home, the attacker drove her to the lay-by, where he stopped the van and raped her in the vehicle, before throwing her out and driving off.

She raised the alarm at a nearby farmhouse.

The man is dark-haired and had a suntan.

Detective Inspector Phil Curtis, of Darlington CID, said: “We are investigating an allegation of serious sexual assault.

“We have had a lot of inquiries ongoing in relation to white Transit vans, but obviously there are quite a number of this type of vehicle in the area, and in the country.

“We are trying to jog memories.

If there is anyone who might have seen anything in that particular place, on that particular evening, I would ask them to come forward.

“We are looking for a fairly young person, so anyone who knows of someone who spent time in that area with someone may also be able to help us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington CID on 0345-60-60-365.