A driver swerved round a woman screaming for help in the street after she had been followed and robbed.

The 38-year-old was held round her face and forced down on to the road as her attacker demanded money.

As he ran off the woman tried to flag down a white car, but the driver swerved round her and drove on.

Police say the woman, who lives in Carterton, is so badly shocked she does not want to be identified.

"It was a pretty awful ordeal," said Insp Michael Carrick, of Witney police.

Her attacker is des-cribed as in his early 20s, tall, thin, clean shaven and with blond, spikey hair. He was wearing a light T-shirt and grey and black camouflage trousers.

As the woman was walking along Upavon Way, near Carterton Community College, at about 11.45pm on Wednesday, she noticed him following her on foot.

As she crossed a road to try to shake him off he caught up and forced her down on to the road. He then grabbd her purse and ran off towards Alvescot Road.

Police believe the man may have been in The Osprey pub earlier in the evening.

They are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 01993 703913.

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