A WOMAN was attacked and robbed as she walked to the shops on Sunday night.

The attack happened as the 34-year-old woman was walking towards MS convenience store, in Barnton, at around 8.20pm.

Suddenly two men jumped out of a side alley, in Runcorn Road, grabbed her and pulled her back into the alley.

While one man held her down, the other searched her pockets and stole cigarettes and cash worth £8.

The woman was then punched in the stomach and the two men ran off.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Wenham, of Northwich police, urged people to take extra care and be vigilant.

He said: "This was a violent and nasty attack on a lone defenceless female, which has caused her a lot of distress.

"While she didn't suffer any physical injuries she is obviously extremely upset.

"We would urge anyone with information to come forward and ask people to be vigilant," he added.

The first attacker is white, aged between 18 and 19 years, slim build with short hair. He was wearing white training shoes and blue jeans and a fleece type jacket.

The second attacker is also white, aged between 18 and 19 years, 5ft 6ins, slim build, wearing white training shoes, a fleece jacket with a tattoo on the back of his hand. Anyone who can help should ring Dave Snasdell on 01244 613234.

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