POLICE hunting a man who attempted to rape a 43-year-old dog walker on the banks of the River Tees have appealed to a woman walking an Alsatian to come forward.

The victim was near the river, in the area known to locals as ‘Black Bobbies Field’ in Thornaby, Stockton, at about 9am yesterday (July 6) when a stranger pulled her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

Despite hitting her head on the ground, the woman managed to fight back, struck him, possibly dazing him and was able to get away from her attacker with her dog.

She suffered injuries during the assault and has received hospital treatment although she is now being supported at home by her partner, family and specially trained officers.

Speaking today (July 7), Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King, who is leading the hunt, said the woman had been taking photographs at a small concrete jetty in a relatively open area when she was attacked from behind and pulled to the floor.

Det Insp Murphy-King is keen to speak to another female dog-walker who was seen with an Alsatian near to the scene shortly before the attack.

He said that walkers in the area should consider taking someone with them and be vigilant but it was an isolated incident and there was no need to stay away from the locality.

"At present I can confirm we are treating this as an isolated incident.

"I have a dedicated team of officers working on this inquiry who are determined to apprehend the man responsible and bring him to justice.

"My message to him is that it is only a matter of time before we find you and I am absolutely committed to doing so."

Anyone with information can contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.