A YOUNG woman was left in a traumatised state after she was attacked as she walked home.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attempted robbery, which took place in Bishop Auckland, at about 7pm on Friday, January 27.

The 20-year-old was walking down Bob Hardisty Drive when she came to an adjoining footpath coming from the Westgate Road area.

A man standing on the path asked her for a cigarette before dragging her up the path in an attempt to take her handbag, which she wore across her body.

A lengthy struggle followed in which the woman was subjected to a sustained attack.

Detective Constable Wendy Tinkler, from Bishop Auckland police, said: "The woman was shouting and struggling throughout the attack. She could hear voices in the area but could not see anyone.

"It was a very traumatic experience for her which only ended when her attacker saw a car approaching."

The attacker was described as being white, about 24, of stocky muscular build and about 5ft 10ins.

He was wearing a grey hooded top which had a big patch pocket across the front and a white two-inch square badge on his right arm.

He appeared unshaven and had a bar piercing over his left eye. He spoke with a local accent.

Witnesses are asked to contact DC Tinkler at Bishop Auckland Police on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.