A WOMAN was punched in the face by a man who had started to follow her.

The 24-year-old victim was walking along Canonsfield Road, in the Oaklands area, when a man wearing a hoodie began walking behind her.

When she stopped and turned to face him, she was hit in the face.

At this point, a passing man on a bike approached the victim to she if she was ok, and the offender ran off.

The woman sustained minor injuries in the attack, at 7.35am on Sunday, January 30.

Police are now appealing for witnesses, and are especially keen for the cyclist to come forward.

Pc Tony Fletcher said: “I am appealing for the man who stopped to check the woman was ok to come forward.

“I’d also be interested to speak to anyone who saw the incident or anyone who may recognise the offender from the description given.”

The attacker is described as white, of scruffy appearance, in his early 20s, with black hair and around 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing a dark blue hooded top, with black trousers and black trainers.

Call Pc Fletcher with information on 0845 33 00 222.