TWO robbers who punched a woman in the face ran off empty-handed after her dog bit one of them on the leg.

Police said a 20-year-old woman was walking her dog in James Steel Park, near the Washington Wildfowl Park, on Wearside, at 4.45pm on Wednesday, when she was approached by two men.

A spokesman said: "The men demanded cash and then punched her in the face and pushed her to the ground.

"The men ran off empty-handed when the woman's dog bit one of them on the leg.

"The men had a small boy with them who referred to one of them as daddy.

"One of the men may also have marks on his leg caused by the dog-bite.

"The woman is suffering from a bruised eye and is deeply upset by the incident.

"While this is an isolated incident, police are treating the attack very seriously and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any information to come forward."

The first attacker was about 19, skinny, 6ft, tanned, with a shaved head and may have been trying to grow a moustache.

He wore a black hooded top with blue tracksuit bottoms.

The other was about 18, very pale, with a spotty complexion, of medium-build, 5ft 8in with greasy blond hair.

He had a goatee beard and wore a grey zipped top, light jeans and Rockport boots. Both spoke with local accents.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 0191-454 7555 extension 66445.