The call for public assistance has been issued after an assault and theft in downtown Vernon.
A 39-year-old woman says she was beat up and her purse was taken after being confronted by two other women near a 29th Street drinking establishment Saturday at about 1 a.m.
"We are looking for witnesses," said Gord Molendyk, RCMP spokesperson.
The incident apparently began when the victim left the drinking establishment and she observed a group of people hanging around.
"Two of the females demanded she share a cigarette. When she said no and started to walk down the alley, the females followed her," said Molendyk.
"The larger of the two females punched the victim in the face, knocking her down and then kicked her in the face on the ground."
During the altercation, the purse, which contained personal and banking identification, was taken.
The victim fled the scene and the other two women apparently followed her for a short distance.
The victim called the RCMP and she was found in the 3100 block of Highway 6. She was taken to hospital and treated for a black eye.
Molendyk says the woman did not know the suspects.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Vernon RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
