County Durham girl sexually assaulted while walking in the street

If you have any information, contact the police on 101.

Police said the assault happened on May 5 at 3.50pm, behind the Tesco Extra Store at the area known as "the heaps" in Consett.

She was approached from behind by her attacker, and sexually assaulted before she was able to run to safety.

PC Karen Myers, from Consett CID, said: “This is a clearly a very shocking and upsetting incident for the girl involved and the wider community.

“We would like to reassure people that we are doing everything we can to trace the individual involved, we are currently reviewing town centre CCTV to identify this man and are now appealing to the public for information to assist us.”

The man has been described as being in his 20s. He is 5ft 9in-tall, of mixed race with black short hair, broad shoulders and is of skinny build.

It is possible he had his ear pierced and was wearing a ring. He was also wearing a grey hoodie and smelt strongly of urine.

Specialist officers are supporting the girl and her family.

Anyone with information should call 101 and ask for PC Karen Myers at Consett CID.