A DOG walker punched a woman in the face after being asked to keep her pets on a lead.

The victim was left with a fractured cheekbone after her walk along the banks of the Tees near Darlington ended in violence.

Police are now hunting the female dog walker responsible for the attack. She had managed to flee before they arrived at the scene.

The incident took place on Saturday at about 12.15pm near Broken Scar, on the western edge of Darlington.

The victim was taking a photograph of the river when a white lurcher or greyhound jumped up at her.

Uncomfortable with the dog's presence, the woman tried to walk away. The owner of the dog approached and told her to keep still.

She told the owner to keep the dog on a lead, but the request went unheeded and the owner, who also had another dog with her, walked away, both dogs still running free.

When one of the dogs returned, the woman again requested that the animals be restrained, eventually pointing at leads around the owner's neck.

Without a word being spoken, the owner stuck the woman to the face, thought to be with her fists, before walking off with her dogs towards Broken Scar.

The attacker is described as white, female, 40 to 45-years-old, about 5ft 5in with broad build, who looked overweight.

She had wavy dark red dyed hair, over shoulder length and tied back with strands falling down right side of face. Her face with round and she was not wearing glasses or make-up.

She was wearing a lilac or light blue waterproof short coat and had two dog leads around her neck - one frayed blue and the other red, both with silver chains attached.

The other dog is said to be a sandy-coloured retriever or Labrador.

As well as the fracture, the victim also sustained bruising, swelling and mild discomfort, not to mention the mental trauma caused.

PC Julian Brown, of Darlington police, said: "This appears to be an unprovoked attack on an innocent passer by who was enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of this environment.

"The resulting injury has caused pain and stress to the victim.

"I would appeal to any person in the area that day who may know the suspect, any other witnesses or indeed anyone who recognises the description given, to come forward and supply the relevant information."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 0345-60-60-365.