A cyclist riding across a rugby field in Hitchin was abusive to a woman walking with her baby before punching her in the face, knocking her to the ground.

Officers have today appealed for information after the assault, which happened at King George V Playing Fields off Old Hale Way on Monday, May 14.

Police said the incident happened at 6.10pm, when the woman was walking across the rugby field with her five-month-old child in a pushchair.

She was approached head-on by a cyclist, who sped past the woman and was verbally abusive to her. He then stopped and, after a short conversation, struck her in the face – knocking her to the ground.

The cyclist then got back onto his bike and rode off towards the rugby club.

Police said the cyclist was a slim man of Asian appearance, about 6ft 3in tall, with black hair, a beard and a small turban.

PC Karen Goodwin, who is investigating, said: “We are doing everything we can to get to the bottom of this incident. The woman involved sustained bruising to her face and was understandably shaken.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the incident take place to please get in contact.

“I’d also be interested to hear from anyone who may recognise the cyclist from the description given. Any information you provide could help us to identify the person responsible and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information should contact Karen on karen.goodwin@herts.pnn.police.uk or call police on 101, quoting crime reference G1/18/1528. You can also report at herts.police.uk/report, or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.