A YOUNG woman has been left traumatised after a man grabbed her handbag as she walked home after a night out.

The would-be robber, who had a distinctive tattoo on his collarbone, struck as the 18-year-old victim walked through a wooded area off Burn Lane, in Newton Aycliffe, at about 10.45pm on Thursday, March 5.

The teenager had been with a friend in the Cobblers Hall pub and was listening to music through headphones as she took a short cut home, carrying her bag in the crook of her arm.

The attacker approached the victim from behind and tapped her on the shoulder, when she turned around to face him he grabbed her bag and as she struggled to keep hold of it he tore her dress.

He ran off empty-handed when he heard the sound of quad bikes nearby.

Detective Constable Emma McCabe, who is leading an investigation into the incident, said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim and she has been left in a very shocked and distressed state as a result of it.

“As she tried to fight off her attacker and hold onto her bag she spotted the tattoo on his left collarbone.

"Our enquiries suggest that while this is quite a common tattoo for women it is a very unusual choice for a man.

"I would urge anyone who can help us identify him to contact us.”

The suspect is described as aged in his late 20s, about 5ft 8ins tall, with dark stubble on his face.

He was wearing a dark-coloured, low cut or v-necked top and a dark woolly hat.

The tattoo runs horizontally along his left collarbone.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con McCabe at Newton Aycliffe CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.