POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted near a 24-hour garage.

The 21-year-old, who has not been named, was attacked near the Total Garage in Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, at about 1am on Monday.

Police said she had been dropped off by a taxi containing another male and the driver after a night out in Bishop Auckland on Sunday. She was attacked as she walked home alone after the taxi left.

A police spokesman said: "We would like both the taxi driver and the male who was in the taxi to come forward. We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything."

Witnesses are asked to call police on (01388) 603566 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.