POLICE have issued an e-fit in the search for a youth who stabbed a woman four times as he tried to steal her handbag.

Laura Currie, of Middlesbrough, was walking along the town's Linthorpe Road at around 6.55pm, on January 3 when she was attacked.

The student at Teesside University had just finished a shift at her part-time job when she was assaulted.

She was walking into The Crescent towards Roman Road, when she noticed the youth cycling on the opposite side of the road in the same direction as her.

As she crossed the junction of Cornfield Road, the youth grabbed her bag.

She struggled with him before he punched her in the face and stabbed her in the lower arm four times.

She chased the youth, who made off with her bag, but had to stop after a short distance due to her injuries.

The suspect is described as aged about 17, slim build and about 5ft 8ins. He had fair hair, faint eyebrows and a small nose.

He was wearing a blue hooded jumper and dark tracksuit bottoms. He was riding a silver bike.

Witnesses should contact DC Amy Crawford, of Middlesbrough CID, on 01642-303126.