A MOTHER-OF-TWO has spoken of her terror after being left black and blue after being attacked while she walked home from the pub.

Police are appealing for witnesses after Jillian Clark was assaulted while walking along Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, with her Staffordshire bull terrier puppy.

The 49-year-old, of Meadow Court, had just left the Golden Cross pub, also on Union Road, when the attack took place between 10pm and 10.30pm on Thursday.

Officers, who have only just released details of the incident, say the offender approached the woman and tried to take her handbag.

During the struggle the bag broke and the woman fell to the floor.

The next thing she remembered was waking up in Blackburn Royal Infirmary where she had been treated for bruising and scrapes to her head, back and arms, and a swollen left eye. She was released after treatment.

"I can't remember anything after walking out of the pub," said Ms Clark.

"I'm just black and blue all over from head to foot. I just feel really down, I don't even want to leave the house. I have lived in Oswaldtwistle all my life and you just don't expect it to happen to you."

Officers, who have no description of the attacker, have appealed for help in finding the culprit.

DS Simon Giles, of Accrington CID, said: "The fact it seems to have been a sustained and violent assault on a 49-year-old woman is very worrying."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Accrington CID on 01254 353743 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.