A NIGHT out turned to terror when a young woman was stabbed in the face in an unprovoked attack.

The 20-year-old victim needed stitches after a knife was plunged through her cheek during the incident on Bewsey Road at about 1am on Sunday.

Police are treating the attack as 'very serious' and believe the woman, from the Bewsey area, was lucky to escape with just a minor wound.

The assault happened as the woman and a friend neared the junction of Bewsey Road and Tanners Lane. The victim was pulled from behind and punched in the face by one of a pair of girls who had been following them.

She was knocked to the floor but the attacker and her accomplice fled when challenged by the victim's friend.

Detective Sergeant Alex Kane said: "If this 'punch' had been to her neck, eye or temple, she could have been killed in what was a unprovoked and pointless attack.

"The women had been simply minding their own business when one was singled out and struck with what now appears to be some sort of knife or blade.

"We are treating this very seriously because of what could have happened," said DC Kane.

Officers say the thug has a distinctive appearance and are appealing to anybody who may have spotted or knows her to come forward.

She is white, has long blonde hair which is in African-style braiding, is aged in her late teens or early 20s and about 5ft 6ins tall.

DC Kane added: "Her hair is unmissable and I would think there would be few women in Warrington with a similar style. She's very, very distinctive."

The victim is said to be extremely shocked by the ordeal and is recovering at home.

Contact DC Kane in confidence on 01244 613 837 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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