Many criminals stoop low, but none so far as those who attacked a woman just hours from giving birth.

The heavily pregnant 29-year-old was ambushed in Oxford by two men, who pushed her against a wall and threatened to kick her in the stomach if she did not hand over her mobile phone and purse. Her condition must have been obvious.

No doubt, when the assailants are arrested and appear in court, their lawyers will make all manner of excuses about why they did it.

But there can be no excuses. Such low life deserves the severest of punishments.