POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 40s was assaulted by a teenager in a seemingly unprovoked attack that occurred in Worcester.

At 3.30pm on Sunday, December 29, the woman was walking through Warndon Woods, which run parallel to Plantation Drive in Warndon Villages, when she became aware she was being followed by a teenage boy.

He followed her along the footpath for some distance until she sat down on a bench. He sat next to her, asking “How are you?”, before suddenly attacking her. He punched her repeatedly about the head and face forcing her to the ground where he continued to punch her to the head.

He suddenly stopped, backing away and becoming apologetic stating "I'm sorry, I have an anger problem." He ran off in the direction he had come from, towards Woodgreen Drive, when the woman pulled out her mobile phone to call the police.

The boy is described as white, aged around 15 years old, about 5ft 3ins tall, of skinny build and had pale skin with a clear complexion and no visible facial hair. He was wearing a pale-blue hooded top with the hood pulled up, dark-coloured trousers and white trainers.

PC Kerry Paskin, who is investigating the incident, said: “Thankfully, the attacked woman only suffered minor injuries, but nonetheless this was a completely unprovoked and disturbing assault and we need to trace the young man involved.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who was in Tolladine Woods on Sunday afternoon and witnessed anything suspicious, or anyone who may recognise the description of the boy, to contact West Mercia Police.”

PC Paskin be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101 or information can be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the reference number 412s 29/12/13.