Searches are ongoing after two women were targeted by a masked gang in Swindon.
More than a dozen specialist officers have been drafted in to comb the Ferndale Road area following incidents early on Saturday morning (30 September).
Two lone women were ambushed by a group of three or four people, with one robbed of their possessions as they walked home from a nightclub.
In the first incident, which happened in an alleyway off Ferndale Road – near the Northern Road junction – at around 5.15am.
As previously reported by Wiltshire 999s, a 20-year-old woman was assaulted and robbed. It’s understood that she managed to kick out and fight the suspects off – but not before they took her bag, which contained her phone, keys, ID, bank cards and perfume
In the second incident in Southbrook Street two hours later, at around 7.10am, they jumped out of bushes wearing balaclavas – frightening a woman.
She managed to call the police straight away and the group ran away.
A large area, near Ferndale Road Playground, has been cordoned off – including nearby alleyways – as specially-trained search officers look for vital evidence today (Sunday).
Detective Inspector Eirin Martin said: “These are really concerning incidents where lone women are being targeted in the early hours of the morning.
“A cordon has been put in place on the access road to Ferndale Road Playground while we investigate what has happened and people will see more police an increased police presence in the area.
“I would urge everyone to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to us no matter how minor as it may help us to find out who is carrying out these offences.
“Please look at your doorbell videos and CCTV from those times and dates and get in touch as soon as possible if you have any information that could help with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference number 54230103649.
