POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted and had her handbag stolen in Southampton.

The young mother was punched in the face during the attack which happened along Mount Pleasant Road towards Northam Bridge.

The 20-year-old was pushing her baby son when she heard someone shout to get her attention and as she turned she was punched and forced backwards.

A man and a woman were seen running away towards Northam Bridge after the attack at 4pm on Thursday.

The baby was uninjured but the woman suffered shock after the incident which happened at the junction of Derby Road opposite the Farmhouse public house. Approximately £40 in cash was stolen as well as bank cards.

The man is described as white, 5ft 8in-5ft 10in, broad shoulders, thin waist, mousey brown hair and wearing a dark blue beanie-style hat, dark tracksuit top, dark blue jeans and white trainers.

The woman is described as white, aged between 19 and 20 years, 5ft 5in-5ft 6in, small build, blond hair described as dirty', tied back in a ponytail to the right side of her head and wearing a pink tracksuit and a big chunky necklace.

Anyone with any information contact the Robbery Investigation Team at Hulse Road on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.