A WOMAN was hit in the face as she tried to fend off a man trying to snatch her handbag.

The 44-year-old victim was returning home from her brother's house when two men walking towards her blocked her path, in Redhill Road, Stockton.

One of the men demanded her handbag. When she refused, he grabbed the handle and tried to prise it from her.

Cleveland Police said that during a struggle, the man struck her in the mouth, leaving her bleeding

A police spokeswoman said: "The victim pushed the man away, and ran back to her brother's house to alert officers."

The men left empty-handed after the incident, on Friday, February 17, at about 10.40pm. Details have now been released by police.

The man who grabbed the bag was white, in his 20s and over 6ft tall. He was wearing a red fleece and a black beanie hat.

The other man was also white, over 6ft tall and was wearing a dark jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Lee Cooke, at Stockton CID, on (01642) 302226.