A WOMAN was left shaken after fighting off an attacker who dragged her into bushes as she walked to work.

The 32-year-old woman had been making her way to a nursing home near County Hall, in Durham, just before 9.30pm on Wednesday when she became aware of someone following her along North End.

As she looked behind she saw a stranger, who grabbed her by the arm and dragged her across the road towards some bushes.

She managed to break free after kicking the man. He ran off in the direction of a path leading to Southfield Way.

Shortly before the attack, the woman had been passed by a female jogger and a silver estate car, with part of the registration NL51.

The man is described as 5ft 8in and slim. He wore a black woollen hat which had a red logo. He had a black scarf across his face and a distinctive stud in his left eyebrow. He also wore a three-quarter length, dark coat and Adidas tracksuit trousers and black trainers with white stripes.

He spoke with a local accent, but the woman was unsure about his age.

Detective Sergeant Steve Kitching, of Durham CID, said: "At the moment we are not sure whether the motive for this was sexual or if it was an attempted robbery.

"Either way, it left the victim badly traumatised, not just at the time, but well into the next day."

Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the attacker and are especially keen to speak to the jogger and the driver of the silver car.

People can contact Durham CID on 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.