A TERRIFIED Winsford woman fought off a pair of muggers after they tried to steal her handbag – before fleeing the scene laughing.

On Saturday November 15, Sadie Morley, 22, was walking home after being sent home early from work due to illness.

At around 4.45pm, she was set upon by two men as she walked through an alley running between Esk Road and Crook Lane, Winsford.

The men knocked her to the ground and punched her in the chest while trying to take her handbag. They ran away empty-handed after being startled by the sound of a nearby door closing.

“They just came up from behind me,” Sadie said. “They were calling me nasty names.

“First of all they tried to snatch my handbag but I wouldn’t let go of it. One of them started to hit me in the arm and chest.”

The two men fled the scene after hearing a loud bang, shouting a tirade of abuse and laughing as they left.

Sadie sustained minor injuries during the attack, though the terrifying ordeal has left her frightened to leave her home.

“I’m still shook up,” she said. “I don’t really want to walk on my own now and I haven’t left the house since it happened.”

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have any information relating to the attack.

One man was approximately 5′10" tall, slim and had short brown hair. He was riding a BMX bike and wearing a black, hooded top.

The other man was around 5′10" tall, slim and was also wearing dark clothing.

Both men spoke with local accents.

Detective Constable Matt Hull of Cheshire Constabulary , said: "This incident has been a terrifying ordeal for the victim and while she was able to keep her handbag, it has left her very shook up.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything at the time to get in touch so we can bring the men who did this to justice."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 703 of 15/11/2014, or anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.