POLICE have issued a picture of man wanted by detectives following the late-night robbery of a young woman.

The 20-year-old victim was approached from behind when the man demanded her purse, before snatching it and pushing her to the ground in Norton, Stockton.

Cleveland Police say she was walking along Leven Road, on Sunday evening, at about 11pm, when she became aware of a man following her.

She stopped to let him pass, but he stayed behind her.

She then passed through the children's grassed play area, between Leven Road and Norton Avenue, when the man demanded her purse.

A spokeswoman said: "He snatched it from her hand and knocked her to the ground before making off towards Norton Avenue.

"The victim was left shaken, but not injured."

Police are keen to trace a man with a small terrier-type dog who left the park just as the woman entered. He may have seen the assailant.

The robber is white, aged 24 or 25, of medium build and about 5ft 4in. He had distinctive pock-marked cheeks and was wearing a dark blue baseball cap with the lettering NY.

He was wearing a white Fred Perry jumper, dark trousers and white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Mark Buckley, of Stockton CID, is asking for witnesses or anyone who was in the area to call him on (01642) 302336.