POLICE have renewed their appeal for witnesses after a woman was punched in an unprovoked attack.

The 50-year-old was walking along an alleyway between Welbeck Avenue and Salters Lane South, Darlington, when she was pounced on by a man.

He grabbed her around the neck, causing her to lose her balance, and then punched her four or five times about the head and back.

The attacker ran off after the woman screamed.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "She was very distressed and shocked. We don't have a motive at the moment for the attack, which would appear to be unprovoked."

The man police are hunting is about 20 years old, 5ft 10ins, and of thin build. They are appealing for witnesses to the attack, at about 4.55pm on Wednesday.

Anyone who can help should contact Detective Sergeant Phil Curtis on (01325) 467681