A CAR driver who may have vital information about an alleged assault on a teenage girl is being asked to come forward by police.

The appeal follows the arrest of a 17-year-old youth in connection with the incident in the Chester-le-Street area.

Police are trying to trace the driver of a blue car, which was parked on a small country road between Urpeth and High Urpeth on Wednesday, August 26.

The vehicle was parked close to a gate which leads to a public footpath. The 15-year-old alleged victim and a 17-year-old walked passed the car some time after 1pm and the attack is alleged to have taken place shortly afterwards.

The 17-year-old has since been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on police bail.

Detective Constable Lindsey Cowan said: "It may be the driver, and it could be a man or a woman, stopped for their lunch at that spot and may have noticed the couple.

"It is a quiet country lane, well known to locals, and it is possible that this driver is a regular user of this route.

"We are hoping that person will come forward to help our investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to ring police on 0345 6060365 and ask for Det Con Cowan, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.