The attack happened on Friday, June 19, on the cycle track which runs parallel with Norham Road, North Shields at the rear of the bus Depot on Norham Road.
At approximately 8pm a youth assaulted the woman and then ran off towards Norham Road. The
offender is described as white, 5 feet tall, approximately 16 years of age, slim build with distinctive freckles across his nose and cheeks.
The woman was distressed and shocked but did not require hospital treatment.
A member of the public aged in his late 30's, glasses, receding hair and heavy build walking his Staffordshire type dog was approached by this woman and he agreed to look out for this male.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Adrian Smiles said: "We are asking for help from the public in identifying the person responsible for this sexual assault. If you recognise this youth from the description please call us straightaway."
Police are appealing for witnesses and in particular this man walking his dog, to contact Neighbourhood Sergeant Adrian Smiles on 03456 043043 ext 69191 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
