POLICE are hunting an attacker who mugged a 34-year-old woman after she got off a bus.

The victim had just stepped off a bus in Vigo Lane, in the Harraton area of Washington, Tyne and Wear, when the thug pounced.

She was approaching the junction with Firtree Avenue, near a number of garages, when she was attacked by a man of Asian apperance who pushed her to the ground before he subjected her to verbal abuse. He then took a number of belongings out of her handbag before running off.

Police said the man had been seen in the area on previous occasions before Wed-nesday's assault, including behind the wheel of a blue saloon car earlier that day. The attack occurred between 9.10pm and 9.50pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington CID on 0191-454 7555.