A WOMAN was assaulted after man attempted to steal her handbag as she was walking in Kidderminster town centre.

The incident took place between 2.50am and 2.55am in the early hours of this morning (Friday, October 21), a woman in her 20s was walking along St Mary's Ringway, near St Mary's Church, when she was approached from behind by an unknown man who attempted to pull her handbag from her.

The victim was then assaulted and received minor facial and stomach injuries, which resulted in bruising and swelling to her cheek and tenderness to her stomach.

The offender then left the scene towards the direction of Crossley junction. The victim's bag remained intact and nothing was stolen.

West Midlands Ambulance Service attended the victim's home as a matter of precaution, but no hospital treatment was required.

The suspect is described as a man with a slight tanned complexion, of a medium build and between 5ft8in and 6ft in height. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black coloured tracksuit.

West Mercia Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the offence, or may have seen anyone matching the description acting suspicious within the area.

Call officers on 101, quoting incident reference number 440S of October 21.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to the independent charity, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.