POLICE in Chester-le-Street are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted as she walked home after a night out.

The victim, in her 40s, left a pub in the town centre at about 11.30pm on Sunday night.

She walked down Front Street and onto West Lane before heading up Waldridge Road.

ust before the victim walked under the railway bridge a man approached her and asked if he she would give him a cigarette, which she did.

He continued walking along Waldridge Road alongside her before attempting to put his arm around her.

The victim told him to leave her alone but he then indecently assaulted her.

When the victim walked away from her assailant he continued to follow her so she walked back onto Waldridge Road and crossed the road at West House Nursing Home.

She approached another man who was walking up the road carrying shopping bags and, after she explained she was being followed, he escorted her home.

The assailant is described as about 5ft 7ins tall, slim , clean shaven, with a long, hooked nose.

He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up, dark trousers and white training shoes.

Anyone with information should call police at Chester-le-Street on 0345 6060 365.