A TEENAGER was attacked by two drunken girls from a children's home who tried to steal her bag, a court was told.

Durham Crown Court heard that the 19-year-old victim was stopped by the 15-year-olds while walking to her home, on the outskirts of Durham, after getting out of a taxi.

Tim Gittins, prosecuting, said the girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pestered her for cigarettes and became more aggressive, before one of them pushed her into some bushes.

Durham Crown Court heard she was dragged to the ground by her hair and repeatedly punched and kicked.

Members of the victim's family and neighbours were woken up by her screams.

They saw one of the girls sitting astride the victim, raining further punches and kicks. She told her accomplice to steal the bag but they were foiled when her family came to her aid.

Both girls ran off, but were recognised and were arrested later nearby, as they were about to go back to the home.

The court heard that one of the girls told police she had earlier drunk six cans of lager and a bottle of wine.

Xavia Craddock, representing one of the girls, said her client could not remember telling the other girl to take the bag.

She said the girl had undergone an extremely disruptive childhood but was remorseful for the offence and handed a letter of apology to the judge.

Paul Currer, representing the other girl, said she had been led on by the more dominating influence of her accomplice.

Both girls, now 16, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery,in the incident on October 3.

One girl was given an 18-month detention and training order. The other was given an 18-month supervision order, including 24 hours of reparation work.