A TEENAGE girl was left with a cut lip after being assaulted outside a bakers.

The 14-year-old was attacked outside Greggs Bakery on Brenda Road in Hartlepool at around 8.25am on Wednesday.

She was standing outside of the bakers when she was approached by a woman who punched the girl in the mouth, causing a cut to the inside of her lower lip.

The suspect is described as a woman aged in her early 20's, around 5ft 5ins tall, of very thin build with black hair. She was wearing light grey and dark blue jogging bottoms and a pink pyjama top.

The victim has been left shaken and too frightened to attend the shops on her own.

Anyone who witnessed the attack or anyone with information is asked to contact PC Natasha Vaughan of Hartlepool Police on 01642-302178 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.