TWO teenagers are being hunted by police after a knife attack on a 30-year-old woman.

The victim, who has not been named, was approached as she walked on disused railway lines in Birtley, not far from the Angel of the North statue near Gateshead.

Detectives said the woman chatted to her attackers, who became violent and grabbed her handbag.

She suffered a small stab to the back and required treatment at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, although her injuries were described as "not life threatening".

Her attackers were aged about 15, one 6ft and thin in build, with mousy brown hair in a crew cut. He was wearing a dark blue top and Adidas tracksuit bottoms.

Both youths ran off in the direction of Kibblesworth following the attack, at around 10.30am on Friday.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Northumbria Police, on 0191-454 7555.