Mugging and rape on the same night

A LOCAL woman was mugged in Leighton Buzzard on the same night of a rape in the same area.
The woman, aged 18, who does not want to be named, was walking alone after a night out with friends, on the footpath along Lake Street that runs close to the vicinity of the Morrisons supermarket between 2 and 2.15am on Sunday, May 25.

The victim was grabbed from behind by one of the two attackers causing her to fall to the ground. Her handbag, which was described as black leather with a gold buckle, was then pulled from her with such force that the strap broke.The bag contained the victim's purse, bank cards and a number of other personal effects. Police are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen either of the two men in the vicinity or seen them escaping on foot in the direction of Leighton Buzzard town centre.One of the men was described as around 19 years of age, slim, around six foot one tall of Asian appearance, wearing a purple jumper with light purple stripes.

The other man was also around 19, five foot 11 tall, white, and wearing a light t-shirt.A Bedfordshire Police spokesman, speaking on the possibility of a link between this incident and the rape, which occurred less than two hours later, said: "At the moment we are keeping an open mind. The Robbery Unit work in the same office as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) so they will be liasing together to try and solve these cases."

Anyone who may have witnessed the attack or may have any vital information for the police can contact the officer in charge of the investigation PC Adam Balcomb, in confidence, on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.