Woman attacks robbers in Essex alleyway Published duration 29 October 2011

Two teenagers fled empty-handed in Essex after a woman they tried to rob punched and headbutted one of them.

The woman, 26, was in an alleyway off Stortford Road, Dunmow, at about 20:45 BST on Friday when she was approached by the pair, aged 17 to 18.

She retaliated when they grabbed her arm and demanded she hand over cash and her mobile, police said.

The teenager she attacked had a mousy skinhead haircut, a grey Nike jumper and blue jeans and was 5ft 6in tall.

The other was scrawny, about 5ft 8in and wore a black hoodie. He was playing loud music on a mobile phone.