Appeal after Trowbridge attack

Police want the public’s help to trace a man who attacked and robbed a woman in Trowbridge whilst she cycled to town to go shopping.

At around 12:30pm on Tuesday 14th February 2012, the victim, a 35 year old woman from Trowbridge, dismounted her bike to walk through a barrier in a lane running alongside the railway line just off Dursley Road. As she did so, a man grabbed her from behind and dragged her back up the path to an area beside the allotments at the end of Shearman Street. He then punched her to the head, face and stomach a number of times before removing her purse, containing £140, and Filofax from her handbag and walking away. She is also missing a scarf and necklace.

The man did not speak during the incident and the victim suffered scratches, a cut to her head and a bleeding nose but did not require hospital treatment.

The man is described as approximately 45 years old, around 6ft tall and of slim build with thick black hair and stubble on his face. He was wearing a worn black leather bomber style jacket, faded black jeans and big black army style boots. He was described as having dirty hands as if they were covered in oil. He also smelt strongly of alcohol.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information in relation to this incident in particular an elderly couple who are believed to have walked past the victim following the assault.

Anyone who recognises the man in the e-fit or has any other information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact PC 209 Sue Martin or DC 1920 Kev Keast of the Priority Crime Team (PCT) in Melksham on 01225 794739. Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if they wish.