A MOTHER-OF-FOUR was sprayed and punched in the face by a mugger as she loaded shopping into her car.

Karen Hewitt, 42, was leaning into her car outside the Spar shop, in Guisborough Road, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, when a man grabbed her head and sprayed something into her eyes.

"It really burnt," she said. "He reached into the car to get my handbag which was still attached to my arm. When he pulled the bag out, he pulled me with him. Then he punched me in the face."

The attacker then dragged Mrs Hewitt to his own car - a dark red Vauxhall Astra - and started the engine. She fought him but had to let go of the bag - which contained about £300 and a mobile phone - when he drove off.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Harding, of South Bank police, is appealing for witnesses.

"This was a particularly nasty and frightening attack on this woman, which has left her in deep shock," she said.

The mugging took place between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on Tuesday. The man is described as white, 18 years old, thin build, with short fair hair and about 5ft 9in. He spoke with a local accent and may have scratch marks on his neck.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 301939.