A TEENAGER was sexually assaulted as he waited for a taxi home after a night out.

The 17-year-old was attacked early yesterday morning by a man behind the Debenhams store in the centre of Sunderland.

He had been going home after a night out with friends when he was confronted in the lane behind the store.

The traumatised youth walked into the city's Gill Bridge police station at about 5.30am.

Detective Inspector Gary Hetherington said yesterday: "We have had a report of a sexual assault by a male on a 17-year-old male from the Sunderland area.

"It appears as though he was on a night out and was about to make his way home when he was approached by this male as he waited for a taxi. He was persuaded to go with the man to try to find another taxi.

"How it has come about, and to what extent, we aren't sure. He walked into the police station distressed.

"Investigations are at a very early stage. We will be looking at CCTV."

The suspect has been described as being in his late 30s, 6ft tall, thin with short ginger/blonde hair and wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

Police are collating CCTV from the area and are appealing for witnesses. They are keen to speak to two people believed to have been at the taxi rank at the time the victim and offender met and walked off.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sunderland CID on 0191-454 7555, ext 66126.