Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted in Lancaster last month.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday 10th March at around 1.10am, outside the Lost night club on North Road. The offender approached a 19-year-old local girl who was texting on her mobile phone. When he spoke to her she ignored him – prompting the man to grab her phone and throw it to the ground, then slapping her so hard she was knocked to the ground.

He then left the area in a white Ford transit taxi with two other men and a woman – and possibly went to the Joiners Arms.

PC Faye Tinker from Lancaster police said, “I would appeal to anyone who recognises this man to come forward and contact the police.

“The victim required hospital treatment for her injuries and the person responsible needs to be caught and brought to justice. If anyone witnessed what happened or has information about this incident then I would ask them to come forward.”

• Anyone with information should call Lancaster police quoting log reference number LC-20130310-0095. People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.