POLICE investigating an assault of a young woman have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident.

The 20-year-old woman was walking through Durham last week (Wednesday, May 21) when a man attacked her and made sexual comments towards her.

She was physically unhurt but was left badly shaken by the assault.

The incident happened while the woman was walking along Durham City’s Quarryheads Lane at about 6.45pm on Wednesday, May 21.

The victim noticed a man walking in the opposite direction. He appeared to be following three women, but then changed course and pursued her, caught up with her and attacked her.

The woman managed to escape and raise the alarm.

The man is described as about 25 years old, 5ft 7ins tall and chubby and was wearing a grey hooded top despite the weather being warm.

Detective Inspector Traci McNally, who is leading the Durham Police investigation, is keen to speak to any potential witnesses, either pedestrians or motorists, who were around South Street, Pimlico, Grove Street, Quarryheads Lane or Prebends Bridge on the evening.

She said: “Incidents such as this are highly unusual for Durham, which is generally a very safe city.

“I have a team of detectives working on this case and we have been following up a number of possible leads in the week since the attack.

“While we have already spoken to a number of people, I am still appealing for anyone who was in those areas between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday last week to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to call Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.