POLICE have appealed for witnesses following an attack on a young woman by a man who dragged her into a field in Darlington.

The attack on the 28-year-old woman happened at about 8.40pm on Wednesday of last week. She had walked from the industrial estate in Allington Way to catch a bus in McMullen Road.

A man tried to speak to her, then grabbed her from behind and dragged her into a field, where he made threats before pulling her to the ground as she fought to escape.

Her ordeal lasted several minutes before she managed to free herself and run into the middle of McMullen Road where she tried to flag down motorists.

DC Sharon Alderson said: "We believe this was a sexually motivated attack, but because this young woman fought back her attacker was forced to run off."

The man, who was white and aged between 20 and 22, ran into Lingfield Green, which leads to a housing estate.

DC Alderson said: "The woman was hysterical. She had suffered a number of cuts and bruises. She did manage to stop a VW Golf, but the young driver was frightened by her manner and appearance and drove off.

"Fortunately, a bus driver pulled up and came to her aid as she collapsed on the bus steps"

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in Lingfield Green, Allington Way or McMullen Road at the time. They would also like to speak to the driver of the VW Golf.

DC Alderson said: "If it wasn't for her bravery and determination to fight back, the situation may well have been much worse."

Anyone with any information should call 0845-6060-365 and ask to speak to DC Sharon Alderson or DC Dave Ripley.