A NIGHT out with friends ended in terror for a woman who had to force her front door shut on an intruder trying to push his way into her home.

As she battled to shut her front door, her attacker grabbed her right arm through the gap in the doorway, then slashed at her with an unknown object as she pulled her arm free.

The 45-year-old victim received numerous scratch marks on her right arm and was treated at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton.

The woman had been dropped off by a taxi after an evening out with friends, last Friday.

As she walked the short distance to her home in Cowpen Crescent, Stockton, along a cycle track leading to the Salters Lane Estate, she passed a group of six youths, believed to be in their late teens.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "As she went to close the door behind her, she noticed one of the lads stood directly outside her house, pushing on the door.

"The woman tried to close the door, but he grabbed her right arm through the open doorway.

"As the woman managed to release his grip on her arm, he then reached through the open doorway and began slashing at her arm with an unknown object.''

The woman was able to close her door, after a brief struggle, and the youth rejoined the group who all ran off along the cycle track towards Salters Lane.

Her attacker is white, with fair complexion, about 18, 5ft, 4in and of medium build. He word a dark blue hooded top with dark track suit bottoms and trainers.

Anyone with information can call Acting Detective Sergeant Jon Tapper, at Stockton CID, on 01642-302233/302226 or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.