A WOMAN was threatened with a syringe in a robbery near the County Ground yesterday evening.

The victim was walking past the County Ground Hotel, on County Road, at around 6.15pm on Monday, when the female attacker threatened her with the hypodermic needle, then snatched her handbag.

Det Con Matthew Lewis, from Swindon CID's robbery team said: "This was a particularly nasty attack, with the victim being threatened with a hypodermic needle in the progress of the offence.

"This female approached the victim from behind and tried to snatch her bag."

The attacker was white, in her late 20s, around 5ft 6ins tall, and medium build. She was wearing dark clothing and had dark hair.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery or anyone who recognises the description of the attacker to contact Swindon CID robbery team on 0845 408 7000.