AN elderly woman was punched unconscious by an “athletic” cyclist as she was getting out of a car.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened on Scalby Road in Scarborough between 3.10pm and 3.20pm on Sunday afternoon.

The male cyclist punched his 68-year-old victim after she got out of the car in which she had been a front seat passenger, knocking her out cold as she fell to the ground.

The man was described as of athletic build, wearing white and blue cycling shorts and top and black helmet. He was riding a black bike with distinctive white walls to the tyres.

Officers are conducting enquires and are requesting the public's assistance to help identify the offender. Police also wish to identify the members of public who came to assistance of the injured woman.

Anyone with information which could assist in identifying the male offender should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option two.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.