A woman was injured during a violent attempted robbery as a man tried to grab her handbag.
At about 12.45pm on Monday (February 28) a woman in her 40s was walking her dog along a path near the wooded area that runs parallel to the rear gardens of properties on St Paul’s Drive in Washington.
At that point, she was approached by a man who attempted to grab her handbag.
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A physical struggle ensued, which resulted in the man pulling the woman’s hair before kicking her in the back.
The man then made off from the scene empty handed.
An investigation has been launched into the attempted robbery. The victim was taken to hospital as a precaution, after suffering injuries to her face and knee.
Detective Constable Leigh Booth, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an absolutely appalling incident and whoever is responsible should be ashamed of themselves.
“The victim in this case showed incredible bravery in an extraordinarily distressing situation, and we are committed to identifying the person who attacked her and bringing them to justice.
“The attacker is described as a white man, approximately 6ft 3ins and of slim or medium build.
At the time of the offence, he was thought to be wearing dark clothing including a hoody which was up over his head, and a disposable black face mask. It is believed he had a Geordie accent.
“I am today asking anybody who was in that area or who saw anybody suspicious making off from that location to get in touch immediately.
"Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you feel it may be, could be the crucial piece in ensuring the woman’s attacker rightly has their day in court.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting crime number 024452C/22.
Alternatively, you can email 2683@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.
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