A SEX attacker was foiled when his victim managed to escape as he tried to drag her down a deserted footpath.
The 31-year-old woman was walking from Front Street, Stanley, to Clifford Road, at around 9pm on Sunday night.
She had just passed the Stanley Medical Centre when a man grabbed her from behind and began to drag her back towards the centre.
The woman stumbled and her attacker temporarily loosened his grip. She ran away down Ritson Street and escaped unharmed.
The man was seen making his way towards the Clifford Road car park.
Police are treating the incident as an indecent assault and are appealing for witnesses, especially a couple who walked past the victim shortly before the attack and went into the Empire Club in Front Street.
The attacker is described as white, aged around 35, with a shaven head and was wearing dark clothing and dark footwear.
Anyone with any information should contact Stanley Police on (01207) 232144.
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