POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify after a woman was assaulted in an unprovoked attack.

The incident took in Bishop Auckland, shortly after 4am on Thursday, June 19.

The 28-year-old victim was walking to work when she was approached by a man in the Woodhouse Close Estate area.

He asked her for a fight and, as she continued walking towards McDonald’s restaurant at the nearby Bishop Auckland Shopping Park, the man kicked her in the back.

Inside the restaurant he punched her in the face causing swelling to her lip, before running off.

PC Peter Aiston said the incident was totally unprovoked and it was fortunate the victim did not require medical assistance.

The suspect is described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build and he spoke with an Irish accent.

He was wearing dark blue trousers and was topless.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham police on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800-555111.