POLICE have released an image of the man they want to question in connection with a serious assault in Darlington.

A woman in her mid-20s was punched on the nose in the unprovoked attack last month.

The incident happened on Saturday, February 9, in the rear alley off Marina Road, between 8.55pm and 9.05pm.

The woman was returninghome after visiting a corner shop when she was approached by the man.

He asked her for a light and the woman reached into her pocket, but dropped some change on the floor.

As she bent down to pick the money up the man struck her between the eyes, causing her to fall to the ground.

Without saying anything , the man walked over to a bicycle which was propped against a wall and cycled off.

The woman suffered bruising to her nose, head and right temple, and to her back and legs.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, about 6ft, of average build, with an unshaven appearance.

He was wearing a bright orange and blue fleece jacket and a dark woollen hat, flattened at the front and with a white badge in the middle.

A spokesman for Darlington police said: "This was an unusual and unprovoked attack which has badly affected this lady."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.