DETECTIVES hunting a sex attacker have issued an e-fit picture of the suspect.

The man attacked a 19-year-old who was out walking her dog in Starbeck, near Harrogate, on July 31.

She was walking her golden retriever at about 3.50pm along the disused railway track under the Boggs Lane Road Bridge.

The attacker approached her from behind, knocked her to the ground and then sexually assaulted her.

The dog bit the attacker and the woman managed to free herself before running from the scene and contacting police.

The man was described as between 6ft and 6ft 5ins, aged 30 to 40 with dark, wavy collar-length hair, dark-coloured eyes and a gaunt, slightly tanned face. He was wearing a faded black T-shirt with jeans and white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Dave Horne said: "Hopefully the release of the e-fit will produce some vital lines of inquiry. I urge anybody who recognises the man or has information that could aid the investigation to get in touch immediately.

"We're also still appealing for potential witnesses to come forward who were in the area at around the time of the attack."

Contact Harrogate CID on (01423) 539334 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.