A YOUNG woman was punched in the face and robbed of her purse, after being offered cheap baby clothes for sale in York.

The 22-year-old, who lives in the Haxby area, suffered bruises to her face after the attack near Heworth Green yesterday, at about 3.40pm.

The attack occurred after she was approached by another young woman, believed to be in her twenties, who asked if she was interested in children's clothing at a knockdown price.

When the victim walked on to a nearby cycle path and got out her purse, she was hit in the face so hard her glasses fell to the floor and broke.

The attacker then made off with her purse, containing £65.

York police have appealed for witnesses to the incident.

The assailant is described as being aged between 20 and 25, she was about 5ft 3in tall with blue eyes and brown hair. She was carrying a navy and black zip-up holdall and wore a black Nike hooded top and faded blue jeans.

Anyone with any information should phone York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:33 Wednesday, July 09, 2003