A 17-YEAR-OLD girl is recovering after being subjected to a serious indecent assault.

A police spokesman said the victim was attacked as she walked along Simonside Avenue, toward the main road junction of Churchill Street, Wallsend, North Tyneside, at 10.15pm on Saturday.

The spokesman said: "The girl was grabbed from behind and pulled to the ground and subjected to a serious indecent assault.

"The attack only stopped when the attacker was disturbed by the headlights of a car. He ran off towards the Holy Cross area of Wallsend. The woman attempted to flag the car down, but it did not stop."

Police would like to trace the small red car, which was being driven by a middle-aged man, who was on his own.

The attacker was described as 40, 6ft, of stocky build, and wore a blue jacket zipped up so that it covered his mouth, and dark jeans.

Anyone with information, particularly the car driver, is asked to contact police on 0191-454 7555, ext 63373.