A YOUNG mother showed she packed a powerful punch when she turned the tables on a mugger.

The unnamed 23-year-old woman, said to be only 5ft, was pushing a buggy containing her seven-month-old baby daughter on a footpath through a wooded area in Horden, east Durham, shortly after taking her young son at nursery.

She was approached by a scruffy, unshaven man, aged about 28, on the path leading from Roseby Road. He blocked her way and demanded her mobile phone.

But he recoiled in shock when she responded by striking out at him, punching him in the nose and causing it to bleed.

Police said the man stumbled backwards and immediately ran off in the direction of Matterdale Road "with his hands clutching his nose and his tail between his legs".

Such was the force of the blow that the woman broke two bones in her right hand.

The unsuccessful thief was described as about 5ft 9in and of thin build. He had a deep voice and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a navy blue Ellesse baseball cap, a grey-blue long-sleeved top, beige jeans and black Reebok trainers.

He also had a tattoo of what appeared to be Chinese lettering on the right side of his neck.

Detective Constable Brian Roberts, of Peterlee CID, while not recommending women to become involved in fist fights, praised the would-be victim for her response.

"I have no doubt that the robber saw her as a soft touch, but her instincts took over and he got the shock of his life when she reached out and gave him a good wallop," he said.

Anyone who thinks they might know the identity of the mugger is asked to contact Peterlee CID on 0191-586 2621.