A police spokesperson said: “The victim was walking home when she was approached by a man at the junction of Guildford Park Avenue and Guildford Park Road at around 1am. The man punched her in the face and demanded her belongings.

“The victim was continually punched to the face whilst she tried to prevent her bag from being taken. The suspect fled the scene with her rucksack, leaving her on the ground. We believe he fled in the direction of Yorkies Bridge.”

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The suspect is described as around 5ft 7” tall, of slim build and wearing dark clothing. The rucksack he stole from the victim is black with red and green flowers on it.

The victim was treated in hospital for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A 28-year-old man from Guildford was arrested at his home address on suspicion of robbery and assault by GBH. He remains in custody.

The police spokesperson added: “If you have any information which could help, including CCTV footage, please contact us quoting incident/crime reference number PR/45200104210 via:

• Webchat on our website surrey.police.uk
• Online https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
• Calling us on 101

“If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”