Second Devizes canalside robbery

The canal near Park Road Bridge in Devizes, scene of the latest canalside attack

Less than three weeks after an attack that left a 35-year-old man injured when he was robbed on the towpath beside the Kennet & Avon Canal between London Road Bridge and Devizes Wharf a 92-year-old woman was attacked and robbed at Park Road Bridge on the same stretch of the canal. 

The woman, who is profoundly deaf, was walking near Quakers Walk shortly before mid-day on Sunday when a thief snatched her handbag containing a small amount of money. 

Police Inspector, Ron Peach said: "She was not physically hurt — but she was badly shaken by the incident. This was a despicable, cowardly attack on a vulnerable and defenceless victim and we need to catch this man and bring him to justice as quickly as possible."

The attacker is described as a tall, thin man wearing a fawn-coloured hooded top with the hood up and drawn tight.

Anyone with information about either incident should contact the police on: 0845 4087000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where information can be left anonymously.

See: Man robbed and injured in Devizes canalside attack