Motorists ignored road sex attack

At least five drivers failed to stop and help a woman who was being sexually assaulted in the middle of a busy Teesside road, police have said.

The 20-year-old victim was badly beaten, had clothes ripped off and was pinned to the ground during the attack in Stockton's Riverside Road.

The woman was walking home in the early hours of Sunday when a man grabbed her.

Cleveland Police said cars passed "within inches" of the assault, before the woman managed to break free.

Det Sgt Mick Todd, the officer leading the hunt, said a number of cars, particularly taxis, drove past as the woman was being attacked.

Fought back

He said: "It took place in the middle of the road, but not a single person stopped.

"There were at least five cars that passed her as she was lying on the road while the attack was taking place. We need those drivers to come forward."

The woman had just finished a mobile phone call when the man attacked her.

She fought back, despite being punched repeatedly in the face, and eventually managed to flee.

She was treated at North Tees General Hospital for facial injuries.

The attacker is believed to be in his 20s and of medium build. He was wearing a white hooded top and was riding a black mountain bike that appeared to be too small for him.

Following an initial appeal, police said there had been a good response from the public, and detectives were following a number of lines of inquiry.

Stockton Council said it had handed over CCTV footage to the police.