A LATE-NIGHT robbery attempt has been foiled by a plucky young woman.

The 19-year-old victim was walking home through the Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland, shortly after midnight on Sunday, when she was grabbed from behind in Ruddick Avenue.

The attacker put his arm around her neck and dragged her backwards for about 20 yards, before pulling her into a cul-de-sac where he threatened her and demanded cash.

The victim punched him in the face, until he ran off towards Proudfoot Drive.

Detective Sergeant Ian Sturrock, of Bishop Auckland CID, said the woman was badly shaken and left with scratches and bruises to her face and neck.

The attacker was described as white, in his early 30s, 5ft 8in, of slim build, with short, dark hair. He was clean shaven with a spotty complexion. He wore black Adidas tracksuit bottoms with white stripes and a dark V-necked sweatshirt, and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01388) 603566.