A WOMAN was robbed and hit in the face in Urmston as she walked home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 21-year-old victim was walking home along Grosvenor Road at about 2.20am after having been out with friends.

Before that she had walked along Station Road and Flixton Road.

She was approached by a man who grabbed her handbag and stole money from her before hitting her in the face.

The woman defended herself and her attacker assaulted her again before he was disturbed and walked off towards the bushes at the end of Grosvenor Road.

The woman flagged down a passing taxi and reported the incident to police a few hours later.

The man was black and described as about 6ft 2ins tall, of muscular build with small dark eyes.

He was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie, which was pulled up and had a white trim, with white cords and a white zip.

He was also wearing dark blue combat jeans with stitching and panels on the knees and grey gloves.

The victim suffered some swelling and reddening to her face.

Police inquiries are ongoing and an e-fit image of the suspect has been released.

Detective Constable Liz Robinson, from Trafford CID, said: “This man approached, robbed and attacked a lone woman in the early hours of the morning. Understandably, she has been left extremely distressed by what has happened to her.

“If anyone saw this man hanging around the Grosvenor Road area either before or after this attack happened, then we need to hear from you please.

“Detectives are working hard to identify this man so we can take him off our streets.

“We are not linking this attack to any other incidents in the area at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Stretford CID on 0161 856 7767 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.