DETECTIVES are appealing for the public's help in catching a sex attacker who assaulted a teenage girl late at night.

Police say the 18-year-old was subjected to a 'serious sexual assault' as she was walking home through the centre of Biddulph.

The young woman lives in the town, and despite her terrifying ordeal was able to make her way home.

She provided police with a detailed description of her attacker, which detectives working on the case are hoping someone will recognise.

The teenager, who has not been named, was assaulted in the very early hours of Wednesday, November 8.

She had spent part of the previous evening in the town, and began to walk home alone shortly after midnight.

The route she followed took her onto the Kwik Save car park near Wharf Road.

"As she was walking along a secluded alleyway she became aware of quickening footsteps behind her, and felt a man's hand on her shoulder," said a police spokesman.

"The man tried to make conversation with her, but she tried to continue on her way.

"He became more agitated and grabbed her by the arms, eventually forcing her to the ground and carrying out the attack."

The spokesman added that it was unclear in which direction the man fled, and detectives are appealing for witnesses.

The man police are seeking is described as white, six feet tall, and of medium build. He was clean shaven, and had dark eyebrows and dark eyes.

He was wearing a black woollen hat, which covered his hair, and a high collared black zip up jacket, which came just below the waist.

He also wore black jeans and dark footwear, and had a gold ring on his left hand.

Police are appealing for members of the public to contact them who might recognise the description or saw someone fitting those details in the Kwik Save area on the night of the assault.

Detectives at Leek Police Station are investigating the incident, and have set up a special appeal hotline for information.

Anyone who can help is asked to ring 01785-235185.