A vicious thug punched and kicked a woman waiting for her husband in a car in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The Asian woman was waiting in her silver Peugeot 107 in Main Street at about 8.30pm on Friday when a man opened the passenger door and stole two mobile phones.

The woman was punched and kicked in a struggle with the hooded robber, who then ran off, chased by the woman’s husband and another man.

The violent thief is described as white, about 5ft 8ins tall of slim build and in his thirties.

He was wearing a hooded top and got into a silver Ford Focus with a registration which started YF54. The car was driven off towards Ilkley.

Detective Inspector Richard Partis said he was particularly keen to hear from the member of the public who tried to stop the offender.

He said: “This attack left a young Asian woman very shaken and we would like the man who helped to chase the suspect to come forward, as he might have valuable information which could help us to trace him.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.