A 29-year-old woman was punched in the face and hit on the back as she walked down a street at night.

The woman was making her way home from The Broadwalk Centre, in Station Road, and sat down at the entrance to call a friend on Friday, July 18 at 10.30pm.

She was approached by a man, who was holding a carrier bag containing a can of drink, who asked if she was alright.

The woman walked away down Church Way, but the suspect approached her from behind, struck her on the back of the head with the can of drink and punched her several times to the face.

A struggle ensued and both fell to the floor, leaving the woman with cuts to her face, a swollen lip and an injured shoulder.

She then screamed to alert passers-by and the suspect ran off towards Fairfield Crescent.

Members of the public came to the victim’s aid and police arrived a short while after.

The suspect is described as s a white male, of stocky in build, approximately 5ft 6ins in height and aged between 25 and 30. He wore a grey hoody and blue jeans, and had short blond hair and facial stubble. He spoke with an Irish accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.