DETECTIVES are hunting a man who attacked a young woman as she walked through a dark alley to visit (From Warrington Guardian)

DETECTIVES are hunting a man who attacked a young woman as she walked through a dark alley to visit

The 19-year-old was walking alone between Liverpool Road and Mayfield Avenue when she was grabbed from behind in a bear hug.

She was struck twice causing a two-inch cut to her forehead which required hospital treatment but managed to scream and escape.

Police say nothing was stolen from her and are not ruling out a sexual motive for the attack or that a weapon was involved.

"It was quite a nasty incident," said PC Carla Hunter. "The victim said her attacker had facial stubble and she could smell alcohol on his breath."

"Luckily she managed to struggle free."

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 9.15pm last Wednesday, should contact PC Hunter on 01244-614 717 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.