POLICE are hunting an attacker who dragged a woman into an alleyway and sexually assaulted her in Haltwhistle.

The assault took place at around 11.30pm on New Year's Day, near Main Street.

A 46-year-old woman was standing outside the Comrades Club when she was approached by a man who dragged her into a nearby alleyway.

The woman was sexually assaulted and also received facial injuries during the attack.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

The man is described as white, in his 30s, approximately 5ft 6ins tall and with a stocky build.

He had short dark hair, shaved on the side and long on the top, was wearing a dark coloured, v-necked short, sleeved t-shirt and jeans and spoke with a Cumbrian accent.

Officers are keen to speak with anyone who may recognise the man from this description.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said: "This was a busy evening in the town with it being a Bank Holiday, and people were coming and going to the club.

"We'd appeal to people to think if they may have seen or heard anything which could help with our inquiries.

"Officers are investigating this incident and we have additional officers in the area to carry out inquiries and speak to local people.

"Anyone with concerns is asked to speak to an officer."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 63 of 02/01/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.