POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted and robbed near York city centre.

The 29-year-old victim, was walking past Sainsbury’s in Fossbank, in the direction of Monkgate, when she was approached by two women and a man at about 11.45pm on Friday.

The two women punched the victim before stealing her bag, which contained her purse and mobile phone.

The first woman is described as white, aged in her late teens, 5ft 8in tall, thin and with shoulder-length dark brown hair. She was wearing a white puffa jacket.

The second woman was white, in her late teens, shorter than the first suspect, chubby, with wavy dark brown hair and a fringe.

The man, who was wearing a baseball cap, was white and 5ft 9ins tall.

Detective Constable Sarah Bullock, of York CID, said: “Fortunately the victim was not seriously injured in the incident, but she has been left shaken up by it.

“I am appealing for anybody who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.”

Anybody with information should phone York CID on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be phoned anonymously on 0800 555 111.