A KEY witness is being sought after a woman was attacked and had her handbag stolen in Darlington.

Police in the town were carrying out door to door inquiries following the incident which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The attack took place close to Selbourne Terrace and Gladstone Street in the Denes area of the town.

A male and female were heard arguing in an alleyway off Selbourne Terrace at around 12.40am.

It is believed the woman was then attacked and the man fled the scene in possession of her handbag.

The bag was later recovered, but a mobile phone which was inside was missing.

The woman was unhurt following the attack.

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses who were in the area.

The 25-year-old female was white, about 5ft6in tall, with a red hat over dark, collar-length hair and was wearing a three-quarter length camel coloured coat.

The man was also white, about 5ft8in tall and of a similar age and had a slim build with mousey-brown hair and was wearing a light-coloured top.

Another man is believed to have witnessed the incident and police are keen to speak to him.

He is described as mixed-race, aged between 35 and 40, with a medium build, short black hair and clean shaven.

He was wearing a short work jacket over a light top and dark trousers.

DC Gary Walton said: "We think because of the aspect this person had he has some valuable information and we would like to speak to him."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Acting DCI Neil Edgar on 0345 6060 365.