POLICE last night appealed to a village to reveal the identity of a sex attacker.

Detectives are convinced a pervert who struck in Loftus, east Cleveland, is being shielded.

Stockily built and shaven- headed, the attacker, who has a distinctive star tattoo next to his eye, tried to start up a conversation with a 25- year-old woman who left the White House public house, where she had been with friends, at about 10pm, on July 4.

He approached his victim as she walked near the Somerfield supermarket, in the village.

Cleveland Police said the woman tried to ignore him, but the man pulled her into a bus shelter where he indecently assaulted her.

Distraught, but otherwise unhurt, his victim managed to struggle free from his grasp and run away.

Detective Chris Marchant said it was an isolated incident in a small community.

He commented: "I believe someone must know who this person is and I would urge anyone to contact the police. Calls will be dealt with in confidence.''

Anyone who can help is asked to contact (01642) 302626.