POLICE are trying to trace a woman who is believed to have assaulted a young boy whilst in woodland at the weekend.

The alleged incident took place in Wynyard Woods in Wynyard, near Stockton, on Sunday, July 8 between 3.30pm and 4pm.

Cleveland Police said someone witnessed a young boy, believed to be five-years-old, being assaulted in the woods by a woman who was also being verbally abusive towards him.

A police spokeswoman said: “The woman is described as being a white female in her 30s-40s and she was of medium build with dark mousy brown hair tied up in a messy bun and she was wearing a white top and sunglasses.

“It is thought that the woman was accompanied by a man and a young girl – around three-years-old.

“The man is described as being a white male, of the same age as the woman and of slim build with prominent tattoos on his hands and arms and he had short grey cropped hair.

“He was wearing a blue checked short sleeved shirt."

Officers are appealing for any witnesses to the assault to come forward with any information they may have and contact PC Jason Bowes on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 123871.

Alternatively, witnesses can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org