Police conerned as methadone is taken

10:07am Monday 6th August 2007

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A woman has been assaulted and her handbag containing a potentially lethal quantity of methadone was stolen.

The theft occurred at 2.30am on Saturday in the field next to the athletics track in County Ground, Swindon.

The woman was attacked by a man she was with. He is white, in his mid 20s, 6ft tall and of skinny build. He had short, dark hair with a fringe coming down over his forehead, some facial hair, the edges of his teeth were black and he had a tattoo on his forearm.

He was wearing a beige chequered shirt, smart black trousers and shiny black slip-on shoes.

It is thought the offender may have been carrying the bag for some time after the incident. The bag is a light brown, faux-leather shoulder bag with large loop handles.

It had pockets at either end and it contained various personal effects including a passport, a cream-coloured Playboy purse and a bottle of No7 perfume.

Detective constable Emma Barnett is investigating the incident. She said: "I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the offender, possibly still carrying the bag, shortly after the incident.

"We believe that the offender may be called Dave, support Liverpool FC and have recently split from his girlfriend.

"Anyone who can help identify this man should contact police immediately. I am particularly worried about the stolen bag as it contained several small bottles of methadone.

"Our enquiries suggest that enough was stolen that if it was taken by a non-drug user it could be lethal and if it is found by a child there is a serious risk to life.

"If anyone knows where the methadone is or finds the bag they should contact police immediately."

Witnesses or anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact DC Barnett at Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.