A WOMAN was punched in the face by a stranger as she walked along a track.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault which happened on the track behind Whinside in Stanley on Thursday (Feb 12) lunchtime.

The 26-year-old woman was walking along the track at around 1.15pm when a man walking in the opposite direction punched her in the face without warning.

Her attacker is described as being around 5ft 6 tall and skinny, with a large nose. At the time of the attack he was wearing a dark hoody, which was described as being tatty, and dark bottoms with muddy ankles.

Anyone with information is asked to ring PC Roberts at Stanley Police on 101