A WOMAN was attacked on her birthday as she got off a bus on her way home from celebrating with friends.

The victim, who has not been named but is from Darlington, had been in the town centre with friends to celebrate her 54th birthday.

Her friends had left the bus before her and as she got out in Coombe Drive, on the Redhall estate, she was confronted by two teenagers who, she believes, had been hiding in a hedge near the bus stop.

The first youth told her to hand over her purse or money. But after she did as he asked, he demanded her mobile phone.

At the same time, he emptied the contents of the purse into his hands before throwing it on the floor and brushing past the woman.

The victim bent over to pick up her purse, then felt a punch to the right side of her face, which made her fall to the floor. The pair then ran off.

Both youths were white and 15 to 17-years-old.

One was described as wearing a grey or beige hooded top with the hood pulled up and dark coloured trousers. He had a local accent.

The other youth was also wearing a hooded top with the hood pulled up.

The woman suffered swelling and bruising to the right side of her face and eye in the attack, at about 7.45pm on Monday.

Darlington police are appeal-ing for anyone who witnessed the assault, or who knows something about it to call them on 0845 6060365 or contact Crime-stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.