A WOMAN was beaten up by two men before being forced into a car, police said.

Concern is growing for the woman, aged between 18-20, who was last seen at around 6.53am yesterday morning in Wallsend Road near North Shields.

The woman was walking across Wallsend Road towards the roundabout near the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate.

She was approached by a man who got out of a car parked nearby. The man grabbed the woman, knocked her to the ground, and punched her.

A second man then got out of the car, and also punched the woman, before both of the men lifted her into the car, which was black, and may be a Citreon Saxo.

It drove off along Wallsend Road before turning into Norham Road, and was last sighted at the traffic lights near Tesco Express on Norham Road. Superintendent Alan Brown said: "We are concerned for the welfare of this woman who was walking across the road before she was stopped and assaulted.

"The extent of her injuries, or her whereabouts is unknown, and we are particularly keen to speak to anyone who has any information, as soon as possible."

The woman, aged between 18-20, is believed to be white, around 5ft 5in tall, and of slim build. She was wearing a white or grey hooded top, with the hood up, and white trousers.

The first man who approached the woman, who appeared to be the driver of the vehicle, is described as white, in his 20s, and around 6ft tall.

He is of average build, with short fair hair, and was wearing a white t-shirt and dark tracksuit bottoms.

The second man is also in his 20s, around 5ft 5in tall, and of thin build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark tracksuit. Anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone who knows anything, is asked to call Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043.