POLICE are investigating an assault on a woman in Bishop Auckland town centre which occurred this afternoon.

The 31-year-old was attacked outside the Internacionale store, on Newgate Street, at about 2pm.

She suffered facial injuries as a result of the incident.

An eyewitness said people ran from all directions in the street, which was packed with shoppers at the time, to help the stricken woman.

She was helped to the opposite side of the road by security guards and members of the public, and was seen to have blood pouring from her nose.

A police spokeswoman said an investigation into the assault is underway.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident.