DETECTIVES are hunting a rapist who attacked a woman as she walked through a park.

The assault on the woman, who was in her 40s, took place on Thursday, December 27, at 9.30pm as the woman walking in Westgate Park, in Rectory Lane, Guisborough.

The victim was walking on a raised grassed area of the park between the beck and Howden’s depot.

She was struck from behind and knocked to the ground before the sexual attack took place.

The attacker is described as a white male, medium build, wearing a dark hooded top and dark jogging bottoms with stripes down the legs.

Detective Constable Matthew Waterfield said: “I would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area of the park around this time or anyone who feels they have information about the attacker or incident.”

Anyone with information about the attacks is asked to call Redcar and Cleveland CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.