A 15-YEAR-OLD girl was sexually assaulted on a bus by a man armed with a knife as she travelled home from school.

The man, in his 40s, is said to have toyed with his knife and stared at the girl for the rest of her journey after the attack. He remained silent throughout.

The teenager, wearing school uniform, got on the 718 Durham to Stanley bus at 4.40pm to travel from Durham to her home in Sacriston.

She took up her seat about two thirds of the way down the single-deck bus before noticing a man sitting at the rear.

As the bus pulled away, he left his seat and sat next to her. He tried to carry out an indecent assault but the girl pushed him away. He then produced a silver handled knife.

The girl got off at her normal stop and told her mother, who alerted police.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkim, of Durham CID, appealed for passengers on the bus, particularly two couples who were sat nearby, to come forward.

He said: "I am sure the fact he left his seat and sat deliberately next to a young girl must have caught someone's eye. This was a very disturbing incident and I hope any passengers who saw anything will come forward."

The offender was tanned, of average build, 5ft 10in with short dark hair going grey and dark brown eyes. He wore a dark blue round neck T-shirt and faded blue jeans.

Anyone with information should call Durham Police on 0191-386 4222.