POLICE are searching for two people after a pregnant woman was followed off a bus and punched in the stomach.

The woman had to go to hospital following the robbery, which happened in Prospect Terrace, New Brancepeth, near Durham, on Tuesday night.

A male and female suspect are said to have followed the woman after she got off the bus at New Brancepeth Club at about 8.40pm.

The suspects, who spoke with a local accent, approached the woman as she was walking home, and after a struggle, they are said by police to have pinned her against a wall and punched her multiple times in the stomach and head.

The pair then made off after discovering the victim's purse did not contain any money.

The woman went the University Hospital of North Durham following the robbery and has since been discharged.

Detective Sergeant Mark Garfoot, from Durham City CID said: “This was a traumatic incident for the woman and we would like to ask the public to help us catch the people responsible.”

The male suspect is described as being around 6ft 3ins, of slim build wearing a baseball cap, Helly Hansen jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and dark footwear.

The female suspect is described as being around 5ft, in her late 20s with bleach blonde hair. She was wearing a black padded coat with a fur hood, white jeans and black UGG boots.

  • Anyone who saw the suspects around this time or has any information about the incident is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting reference number 148 of February 5.