Police hunt hooded thug after young mum slashed across face on her own doorstep

Vicky Bowes, from Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, needed hospital treatment after being left with a huge cut across her face after she was slashed by a stranger on her doorstep at 11.29pm on Monday night.

The mum of two said she has been left sore are shocked after the incident.

"It is awful and I haven't got my head around it yet," she said.

"I can't understand why it happened as I am a quiet person and keep myself to myself.

"I was on my own at the time and had had a drink and was half asleep when I heard the door, so I went downstairs and opened it.

"I saw something moving and turned my head and saw an arm swing around and catch my face.

"It is just so confusing and I can't understand it as I have had no trouble.

"I just want to spread the word and I am hoping the guy gets caught.

"My fingers are crossed, as the last thing anyone wants is for another girl or man to got through what I have been through."

Her father Kevin Bowes took to Facebook to appeal for information and said his 27-year-old daughter was in bed when she heard a knock on the door and answered it to a man who slashed her face before running off.

His post read: "Daughter is still with us and could have been worse we need to catch this scum before someone else is hurt."

Mr Bowes added: "It is just disgusting and it even happened at her own home.

"A lot of the wound is superficial and it is not very deep, but it is lucky that she pulled her head away."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which was described by Durham Crimestoppers as "cowardly."

A reward of £1000 for information leading to the arrest of the man has now been offered.

The man is described as around 5ft 8” to 5ft 10” dressed with a dark navy or black hoodie, dark grey joggers and white trainers.

Sue Knaggs, volunteer Chair of Durham Crimestoppers, said: "The independent Charity Crimestoppers has today offered a reward of up to £1000 for information leading to the arrest and charge of the individual who attacked the young woman.

"This was a cowardly attack on a young girl who should feel safe in the comfort and security of her own home.

"If anybody has any information they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or go online at Crimestoppers-uk.org either way your anonymity is guaranteed."

A police spokeswoman said: "Police are investigating after a woman was slashed in the face last night.

"The woman, 27, heard a knock at her front door on Oakerside Drive in Peterlee at about 11:30pm.

"On answering the door the woman was confronted with a man who slashed her across the cheek with a sharp object before making off.

"The man is described as wearing a dark hoodie with grey jogging bottoms and white trainers.

"The woman was treated at hospital for her injury.

PC Gary Barnes said: “Fortunately incidents of this nature are very rare and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time mentioned or anyone with information. The victim has been left hurt and shaken and with this in mind I would ask anyone with information to make contact.”

Police can be contacted on 101.