DETECTIVES described public response to a mother's appeal to find her sex attacker as "great".

The woman was dragged into bushes in Green Lane, Darlington, and attacked as she walked her dog on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, at about 5pm. Her children had run ahead.

In yesterday's edition of The Northern Echo, the woman broke her silence in an attempt to help catch the attacker, who was aged between 14 and 17.

"The response from the public has been great," said Detective Sergeant Ian McGarley, of Darlington police. "There have been a number of interesting calls, which we are following up urgently."

The suspect was described as white, 5ft 8in, of stocky build, with a round face, honey-coloured hair and a local accent.

Meanwhile, detectives investigating another sex attack, in the town's Chesnut Street lorry park a few nights later, are waiting forensics results.

The female victim was attacked early on May 9, by a black man, aged about 30, of medium build, with short, dark hair, and wearing dark clothes. He was carrying a knife.

Anybody with information is asked to contact (01325) 467681.