Detectives are appealing for information after a 21-year-old woman was punched and robbed as she walked along a canal towpath in Brierley Hill.

The woman was attacked as she made her way along the towpath off Ashton Park Drive around 5.15pm on Sunday 2 October, after leaving the Merry Hill Shopping Centre.

She was approached by a man riding a pushbike, who punched her in the face a number of times before pushing her to the ground and stealing her bag.

The man, described as white, stocky and wearing a ‘Castrol’ t-shirt, then rode off on the bike which was described as dark red with black wheels and no saddle. Detective Inspector Nigel Smith from Dudley CID said:

“This was a nasty robbery in which the woman was making her way home along the towpath when she was attacked by this man riding a bike. Some members of the public on a bridge saw what was happening and shouted at him.

"I’m anxious to trace this people as they may have vital information. Anyone with information should  email  PC Shelly Punshon at contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or call officers on 101.”