A YOUNG horse-rider has been left shaken after a confrontation with a motorcyclist on a quiet country road.

Her attacker gripped her throat so hard during the incident that his fingers left bruise marks on her neck.

The terrifying confrontation took place at about 2pm on Friday as two young women, aged 20 and 16, were riding their horses in Holmhill Lane, in Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street.

A large silver Honda motorcycle, which witnesses say may have been a Goldwing, came round the corner and spooked the four-year-old mare ridden by the older woman.

As the bike swerved to avoid the frightened animal, the rider lost control and fell from his machine, causing minor damage to the motorbike.

The biker, described as being in his late 50s and with a grey goatee beard, became abusive and grabbed the woman by the neck, causing scratches to her face, during the confrontation.

A man from a nearby stables, which was unconnected to the two horse-riders, ran to her aid and the biker pushed the woman away and left the scene with his pillion passenger.

PC Jayne Goodfellow, of Durham Police, said: "The girl was shaken by the incident itself, but was deeply upset by what followed.

"He grabbed her so hard he left his fingerprints in bruises on her neck and but for the intervention of the man from the stables, it is not clear what would have happened next."

The younger woman was also said to have been left shocked by the incident.

The motorbike rider is of stocky build, wore glasses and was dressed in black, with a distinctive helmet featuring the cartoon character Spiderman.

His female pillion passenger was wearing a bright yellow helmet.

Police are appealing for the motorcyclist, or anyone who knows him, to get in touch with them either directly on 0845 606 0365 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.