A NEWPORT vet who was punched more than 20 times in the face during a mugging has said she doesn’t trust people the same way anymore.

Barbara Musial, 38, who moved to Newport from Poland just two months ago, was robbed and beaten on her way home from a shift at Budget Vets, Newport, at around 9.40pm on March 9.

Ms Musial caught a bus to Newport town centre the evening of the incident and saw a man standing in the middle of the road near Clyffard Crescent. She said the man followed her 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. Ms Musial sustained facial swelling and bruising to her face, a cut to her head and bruising to her arm.

She said: “The incident has caused me to have two weeks off work, I am still bruised from the attack. I don’t like being out alone after dark.”

“I don’t trust people the same way I used to.”

Her colleagues at Budget Vets previously told the Argus that she was recovering well with family in Poland and it would be unlikely that she would return to Newport due to the 'horrendous introduction to Wales.'

The attacker is described as being a white man, around 5 feet 7 inches tall, of skinny build and aged between 18 and 25-years-old. He was wearing a grey of light coloured hooded jumper, light coloured trousers and trainers. He spoke with a local Newport accent.

Following the incident Ms Musial 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 Ms Musial’s bag which was located the following day on Vicarage Hill, Stow Hill, Newport.

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