A WOMAN has been stabbed four times by a youth trying to steal her handbag.

The 23-year-old was walking along Linthorpe Road, in Middlesbrough, when the incident occurred at around 6.55pm, on Sunday.

As the woman, from Middlesbrough, walked onto The Crescent towards Roman Road she noticed the youth cycling on the opposite side of the road in the same direction as her.

As she crossed over the junction of Cornfield Road the youth on the bike pulled at her handbag.

Police say the woman struggled with the youth, who then punched her in the face and stabbed her on the lower arm four times before making off with her handbag.

The victim gave chase for a short distance, but had to stop due to her injuries, for which she needed surgery.

The suspect is described as white, aged around 17-years-old, slim to medium build, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, fair hair, very faint eye brows and a small nose.

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

The handbag stolen was a black leather Gladstone handbag which contained Rimmel hair straighteners and a black Blackberry Bold mobile phone.

Witnesses are asked to contact DC Amy Crawford, of Middlesbrough CID, on 01642-303126.