Police are appealing for witnesses after a pregnant woman was punched in the stomach multiple times by a couple who were demanding cash.

The victim was approached at about 8.40pm on Tuesday as she walked to her home on Prospect Terrace in New Brancepeth, County Durham.

Following a struggle the suspects, who spoke with a local accent, pinned her against a wall and punched her several times to both the stomach and the head.

They left after discovering she did not have any money in her purse.

It is believed she was followed after getting off a bus at New Brancepeth Club.


She was taken to University Hospital of North Durham and has since been discharged.

The male suspect was described as being of slim build and about 6ft 3in. Durham Constabulary said he was wearing a baseball cap, Helly Hansen jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and dark footwear.

The female suspect is described as being about five foot, in her late 20s and with bleached blonde hair. She was wearing a black padded coat with a fur hood, white jeans and black UGG boots.

Detective Sergeant Mark Garfoot said: "This was a traumatic incident for the woman and we would like to ask the public to help us catch the people responsible."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting reference number 148 of 5 February.