Attacks on lone women walking through Ferndale have shocked the local community.

Two incidents that occurred within days of each other on adjoining streets have provoked a lot of concern among residents and parish councillors.

Four people wearing balaclavas frightened a woman by jumping out of bushes on Southbrook Street at around 7.10am on Wednesday, September 27, and then ran off when she asked Siri to call the police.

Separately, at around 5.15am on Saturday, September 30, two men in balaclavas hit a woman in her 20s on the head and stole her phone.

Officers are now investigating whether the two incidents are linked, whilst one ward councillor said the reports are "disconcerting".

Coun James Yeowell represents the Ferndale ward in Central Swindon North Parish Council.

He said: “It’s very disconcerting to hear of these serious incidents, someone could get seriously hurt.

“As a parish council, we are aware and will do our best to work with the police and borough council to reassure residents.

“I’m sure the police will be out there to determine who the people responsible are.

“Ferndale is a quiet area, so this is very concerning.”

Adver readers also voiced their views.

Gemma Roberts said: "All well and good keeping our wits about us but we shouldn’t have to. All it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"These aren’t even targeted anymore. Felt much safer walking the streets in different countries at night than I do even doing a school run in Swindon."

Rachel Pahlavan added: "Swindon is getting worse, it's scary. Wearing balaclavas is a coward's game.

"Hope they get caught soon. Our justice system needs to be tougher and prisons shouldn't be easy either."

Kev Manton said: "I see these balaclaved electric bike riders every day. I know they are up to no good. Makes me so angry."

Karl Alexander added: "If anyone's seen wearing a balaclava, then the police should be doing stop and search checks on them.

"They are only worn to stop them from being picked out in any police line up."

Over the weekend, officers set up a cordon on both sides of the alleyway in which the robbery reportedly occurred, and made door-to-door enquiries to learn more about what happened.

Detective Sergeant Emma Kinderman Eirin Martin said: “We would urge anyone in the area to check their doorbell or dash cam footage for any suspicious activity and if anyone has information that could help with our enquiries, please contact us straight away.”

Call 101 quoting reference 54230103649.