POLICE are seeking witnesses of a street robbery in Stanley in which a woman was punched in the face.

The attack happened as the 31-year-old victim headed home after visiting the Post Office in the town centre at 1pm last Friday.

She was walking along an alleyway off Front Street, near Scruples hairdressers, when she was pushed from behind.

She fell to the ground and as she tried to get back on her feet, she was hit in the face. The man then grabbed her purse, containing about £90, and ran off, leaving his victim badly shaken and with bruising where the blow struck.

The victim failed to get a good view of her attacker but he was wearing pale blue jeans and black trainers. Anyone with information should call Stanley CID on (01207) 232144 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.