A HOUSEWIFE has suffered two terrifying late-night attacks outside her home in a matter of weeks.

The married mother-of-four, who has not been named, was assaulted in the early hours of Friday, January 23.

She responded to a knock at the door of her home in Valley View, Leadgate, near Consett, County Durham, at 2.30am.

On opening it, she was grabbed, dragged outside and shoved to the ground.

The attack left her with two black eyes.

It was the second unprovoked assault on the woman, which were carried out by other women.

The first happened at about 1.30am on November 10 last year.

The 30-year-old victim heard what sounded like a domestic argument in the street.

She stepped outside to check on her family's car and was grabbed from behind by an unknown assailant, who held her while a woman punched her in the face.

The assault left her with bruising to the face and head.

Police last night said they were mystified by the attacks.

PC Ruth Dockerty, of Consett police, said the victim was a member of a quiet and respectable family who had been left deeply disturbed by the two assaults.

She said: "There is no obvious motive and, at this stage, we cannot say whether the two incidents are linked, but we cannot rule out a connection."

The most recent attacker was white, in her late teens, with natural blonde hair. She was slim, about 5ft 2in and wore a cream, thigh-length, hooded coat.

The November attacker was aged about 35, 6ft and stocky. She had short, dark hair and wore a black, waist-length, padded jacket.

Anyone with information on either of the assaults is asked to call Consett police on (01207) 504204.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111