A WOMAN was attacked with a metal pole in a violent street robbery.

The assault happened as the victim and another woman were walking through Toothill at the weekend.

The pair were in Beaumaris Road when a man approached them from behind.

PC Claire Pennells, of Swindon police, said that the one of the women was carrying a mobile phone and purse in her hand and the mugger ordered her to drop the articles.

She refused and the man then hit her twice on the right shin with the pole, causing her to drop her phone and purse.

The attacker grabbed the items and ran off.

The incident happened between 7.40pm and 8pm on Saturday.

PC Pennells said: "As a result of the incident the young woman suffered shock and bruising to her leg."

The suspect is described as a black man. He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up and black Adidas tracksuit bottoms.

In April police revealed that they were planning a crackdown on yobs in Toothill and Westlea after a dramatic rise in crime.

A beat manager and a team of five police officers and two community support officers were drafted in to tackle the problems.

Witnesses or anyone with information on this latest attack should contact PC Pennells at Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.