A 14-YEAR-OLD girl is recovering after being indecent assaulted near her home.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the man around the Pears Terrace area of Shildon, County Durham, on Sunday night.

The girl was walking home at about 9pm when she was dragged into bushes near the old railway line.

The attacker partially removed the girl's clothing before warning her to stay where she was until he came back.

At first the girl was too terrified to move but managed to pluck up the courage to phone police on her mobile phone.

The man was about 40, 5ft 10in and of mixed race appearance. He had a heavy build, dark hair and was wearing a bright orange, short- sleeved shirt.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe police on (01325) 314401.