A 21-YEAR-OLD woman was sexually attacked by a man who dragged her onto wasteland late at night.

The victim had been walking along Queensland Avenue in Thatto Heath between 3 and 4am on Saturday, January 22, when a man grabbed her from behind.

She was then dragged to nearby waste ground, where she was the victim of what police describe as a serious sexual attack.

Police this week released a witness appeal eight days after the attack. Detective Constable Cath Burton said: "This was a terrible ordeal for this young lady who has been left very frightened and is struggling to come to terms with what has happened."

The attacker is described as about 6ft tall, of large, athletic build. He was wearing a long, black coat and dark shoes. His voice was gruff and he smelt of cigarette smoke. He wore a hooped ear-ring in his left ear and a ring on his right hand.

DC Burton added: "We have so far been unable to trace the offender but we will continue investigations until we do and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and who might have seen a man acting suspiciously or anyone who thinks they may recognise the description to contact us."

Anyone with information can leave an anonymous message with police at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.