A PREGNANT teenager last night told of her fears for her unborn baby after she was knocked to the ground and mugged.

Sarah Hanlon, 17, was pushed against a wall and kicked before the robber rifled through her handbag and stole her cash.

Ms Hanlon, who is seven months pregnant with her first child, said: "I have never been so scared in all my life."

Police in Hartlepool, who are hoping to issue an e-fit of the attacker next week, appealed for help from the public in catching the man.

Ms Hanlon, who lives with her grandparents on the Fens estate, in Hartlepool, said: "I'm 30 weeks pregnant and that was my main concern, my baby.

"If I wasn't pregnant I would've tried to fight back but I was too scared in case he kicked me in the stomach or something worse."

She added: "I was petrified for me and the baby, I felt so helpless, absolutely horrified.

"I was crying and he just walked off casually and lit up a cigarette as though nothing had happened."

The attack happened in an underpass between Church Square and Stockton Street in Hartlepool town centre at about 10.30pm last Friday, July 29, although details have just been released.

The man followed Ms Hanlon into the subway and attacked her from behind.

Police said the man, who is believed to have a foreign accent, was in his mid or late 20s, 5ft 8ins, with a tanned complexion.

He had short brown hair, was wearing a pale blue T-shirt and jeans.

Anyone with any information is asked to call PC Andrea Hutton on (01642) 302105.