POLICE have issued an artist's drawing of a rapist knifeman who struck last summer.

The man, believed to be in his forties, attacked a 16-year-old girl, dragging her into bushes, in Washington Old Village, Wearside, near the junction of the A1231 and Parkway, at 8.30pm on Tuesday, July 22.

The girl was threatened with a knife and left with scratch marks on her throat.

Detective Inspector Terry McNamara, of Northumbria Police, said: "This young woman was severely affected by this dreadful ordeal.

"She has bravely managed to assist the police by identifying the clothing her attacker was wearing and helping us draw up an artist's impression of the man responsible.

"We are asking the public to contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 66401, if they believe they may recognise the man or have any suspicions about who could be responsible.

"Calls can be made in confidence to Northumbria Police, or callers may wish to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.''

Police made extensive inquiries into the attack but have so far drawn a blank.

Det Insp McNamara said: "We're asking people to contact us if they think they know the identity of this man. He is a danger to women and he must be caught.''

The rapist is described as in his mid-40s, 6ft, of average build, with a Wearside accent.

He has fair hair, a round face with a pale complexion, big ears and large hands.

He was wearing a blue baseball cap, green anorak with a hood tucked into the collar with distinctive blue cuffs and blue shoulder flashes, blue Levi jeans and brown slip-on shoes.