Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was robbed of her iPhone and handbag at around 2am on Sunday in Nightingale Road, Trowbridge.

The 18-year-old girl was approached by a man who snatched her iPhone 5 from her hand as well as her handbag, which contained money and bank cards.

The man, who ran off in the direction of the Brook, is described as being white, in his early 20s, 5ft 8ins tall and wearing a windbreaker style jacket with a red top half and dark blue or maroon bottom half.

The stolen handbag is described as a black, Vagabond mesh strap shoulder bag. The iPhone 5 was enclosed in a teal coloured case.

Trowbridge inspector Chris Chammings is advising young women to be aware, after a similar incident occurred at 7.50am on January 3 at the rear of The John of Gaunt School, between Pitman Avenue and Gloucester Road.

In the second incident, a 22-year-old woman was approached from behind by a man who pushed her to the floor during an altercation, before running off down Pitman Avenue with her handbag.

Insp Chammings said: “This is the second incident in eight days in Trowbridge and while we can’t at this stage say they are connected, we are looking for anyone with information that could help us find those responsible.

“I would advise anyone leaving the town centre in the early hours of the morning after a night out to tell someone where you are going and try to avoid walking home alone, by either taking a taxi or using a nominated driver.

“You should always be aware of anyone around you and if you are concerned about someone acting suspiciously nearby contact 999.”

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact PC Paula Manley via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.