A WOMAN bravely fought off a would be sex-attacker by biting him on the face.

Police have launched a hunt for the man who may have visible injuries after the incident in Consett on Friday night.

The 40-year-old was attacked as she walked home after visiting friends.

Her assailant struck at around 11pm in an alleyway behind Durham Road, leading onto Hope Street.

Police say the man started to talk with her and then pushed her to the ground.

During the assault, police said the victim fought back in order to get away from the man.

Sergeant Nev Waller, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This male has been bitten on the face and that seems to have deterred him and sent him running. Her actions are certainly brave in fighting back.

“She did state that clothing was attempted to be removed so it potentially could be a sex attack.

“It could be that as her clothing has been loosened that he had been attempting to do something.”

Officers will be trawling CCTV footage from the town for clues that might help them arrest the attacker.

Sergeant Chris Davis said: “This is a concerning incident where the victim has sustained minor injuries but is understandably extremely shaken.

“In her efforts to fight off her assailant, we believe that the victim may have injured the suspect’s face and so we are appealing to anyone that might help us identify this man to come forward.

“If you know someone who fits the description and they returned home with marks on their face, then please get in touch.

“Clearly, local people will be concerned about this incident and so we will be running extra police patrols in the Blackhill area of Consett over the weekend.”

The suspect is described as a white man aged in his 20s. He was wearing jeans and a dark blue hooded top.

Anyone with information that might help officers investigating this assault can contact Durham Constabulary by calling 101, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.