A 22-YEAR-OLD woman was taken to hospital by ambulance after an unprovoked attack in Darlington in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident took place at 12.15am on Saturday at the Punch Ball Yard.

Following the assault the woman was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance where she received treatment for her injuries before being released later that morning.

The scene of the attack is a private parking area which is accessed via an alleyway between Skinnergate Newsagents and the Van Mildert store.

The alley is used as a short cut between Skinnergate and Raby Terrace in the town.

The investigation is being led by T/Superintendent Neil Edgar, who has described the attack as “cowardly and unprovoked”.

He added: "Enquiries to date have revealed this to be a well used route and my team would like to speak to anyone who may have information about the assault or who has used the alley way between 11.45pm on Friday and 12.25am on Saturday."

Anyone with information is requested to contact Durham Police on 101 or alternatively via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.