POLICE are appealing for information after a woman was punched in the face and had her bag stolen in Newport.

The robbery took place at Brynhyfryd Road at around 9.40pm on Monday March 9.

The victim, a 38-year-old woman from Newport, caught a bus to Newport town centre that evening.

When in the area of Clyffard Crescent, she saw a man in the middle of the road.

The man is described as being white, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, of skinny build and aged between 18 and 25 years old.

He was wearing a light grey hoodie, light coloured trousers, and trainers. He spoke with a local Newport accent.

The man followed the victim up Brynhyfryd Road where he punched her multiple times to the face/head. He then took her bag, which was black with white flowers on it, and ran off in the direction of Stow Hill.

The victim sustained facial swelling and bruising to her face, a cut to her head, and bruising to her arm.

Following the incident, the victim approached members of the public for help and police are keen to trace and speak to these people in case they can assist with their enquiries.

Officers are also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the man described carrying the bag which was located the following day at Vicarage Hill in Newport.

If you can help call 101 quoting log number 452 09/03/15 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.