The 17-year-old was walking along Eden Lane in Peterlee when a car pulled up. The driver whistled at her and the passenger got out.

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He asked her for a date, but she refused and continued walking towards an area known locally as the Pony Field – a popular shortcut between Peterlee and Horden. She was then attacked.

Police have branded the incident, which happened at 8.30pm on Wednesday, as "terrifying".

Detective Sergeant Graeme Chisholm, of Peterlee CID, said: "She was about 100 yards into the field when she was suddenly grabbed from behind.

"Her attacker was the passenger in the car.

"There was a short struggle, during which she received scratches to her body, but she managed to break free and run off home to raise the alarm."

The attacker is in his early 20s with a shaven head and the driver was in his late 20s, stocky, with a shaven head. Both had local accents.

Det Sgt Chisholm said officers wanted to speak to anyone who was in the area between 8.15pm and 9pm.

Police say the men were in a silver-grey Ford Mondeo-style car, which had a number of dents along its side.

He said: "If anyone recognises the vehicle or these men, I would encourage them to get in touch.

"This young woman has been left badly shaken by her experience."

Contact Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.