DETECTIVES are hunting a raider who broke into a house and punched a lone woman.

The man - described as fat and in his early 30s - then pulled a knife on the terrified 22-year-old during the Sunday afternoon raid.

But the victim managed to fool the attacker into thinking one of her house mates had pulled up outside the home in Paul Street.

The stubble-faced man, who smelled of beer and cigarettes, then fled from the house.

A police spokeman said: "This was frightening for the woman involved. The man fled after a car pulled up outside the house.

"Someone must have seen him in that area on a Sunday at around 3.30pm."

The man is described as being in his early 30s with dark brown hair, dark eyes and stubble.

Police are appealing for anyone who might have seen the attacker around the Bewsey Street area.

The man may have have also been in a nearby pub before the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact DS Hughes or DC Basford on 01244 613836.

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