POLICE are appealing to trace a group of men who may be able to assist with an investigation into an attempted rape.

The incident happened sometime between 3.30am and 4.30am on Saturday, December 8 on St Aidans Street in Middlesbrough.

Officers are appealing to trace a group of men who came to the woman’s aid and chased the suspects away as they may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The first suspect is described as male, six ft tall, of skinny build, around 18-years-old, with black hair which was styled into a short back and sides and dark brown eyes. He was wearing a black jacket and had a prominent mole on his right cheek.

The second male is described as around 15-16 years old, around 5ft 3” tall, black hair and wearing a grey jacket.

Both males are described as Eastern European, possibly Romanian, although both had local accents.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Christie from Middlesbrough Operational Crime Team said: “Whilst this incident will be concerning for some in the local community, we can reassure members of the public that this is an isolated incident and we are doing everything possible to find those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Lee Whitehouse from Middlesbrough Operational Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 223759.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.