A SEX attacker was foiled when his victim escaped as he attempted to drag her down a deserted footpath.

The 31-year-old woman was walking from Front Street to Clifford Road, in Stanley, at about 9pm, on Sunday.

She had passed Stanley Medical Centre when she was grabbed and dragged back towards the centre. She stumbled and her attacker loosened his grip.

She ran down Ritson Street and escaped. 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.

They would particularly like to talk to 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 about 35 and has a shaven head. He was wearing dark clothing and dark foot-wear.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Stanley police on (01207) 232144

* In a separate incident a 49-year-old woman was last night recovering from a serious assault.

Police found the woman in the car park on Inkerman Road, Washington Concord, outside the British Legion Club, in the early hours of Sunday.

She told officers she was attacked from behind and assaulted by an unknown man.

Officers are keen to trace a woman in a red sports car, who was at the scene and may have vital information.

Anyone with information is asked contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 66426.