A WOMAN needed treatment by paramedics after an attempted robbery by a teenager on a bicycle.

The 39-year-old was attacked as she went to visit friends in Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street on Sunday.

At around 6.30pm, when she was near Beamish Transport, in Front Street, she was attacked by the youth, who is thought to be aged 13 or 14, but fought him off and he fled empty handed towards Stella Gill Industrial Estate.

The victim, who lives in nearby Newfield, was left shaken by the incident in which she suffered minor cuts and grazes. She rang police on her mobile and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Detective Constable Sunil Weerasinghe, of Chester-le-Street CID, said: "This was a very frightening experience for the victim but she fought back and her attacker fled empty handed. It is suspected he was trying to steal her mobile phone."

The attacker was white, around 5ft 10 and of medium build. He is described as having a round face with a small nose and soft blond hair, which was gently spiked.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Det Con Weerasinghe or Detective Sergeant Amanda Henderson, via the non-emergency number 0345 6060 365 extension 6632357 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.