TWO youths who attempted to steal from a Swindon mum as she pushed her newborn baby in a pram are being hunted by police.

The 29-year-old woman was on the footbridge leading from Toothill to Westlea Drive, which crosses Tewkesbury Way, between 4pm and 5pm on Monday.

"She was approached by two youths on light-coloured mountain bikes," said Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar.

"These youths demanded money, she refused and they then made verbal threats.

"The lady, fearing for the safety of her baby, shouted angrily at them and they rode off in the direction of the park area on Westlea Drive."

One of the men was white, 17 or 18 years old, about 6ft tall, slim build, spotty complexion, wearing a dark green baseball cap with a white emblem on the front, white round necked t-shirt, dark grey track-suit bottoms and old white trainers.

The other was also white, 16 or 17 years old, about 5ft 8in, medium build, dark brown, short, gelled hair, wearing a dark-coloured top and dark denim jeans.

"Naturally, the lady was very distressed by the incident and feared for the safety of her baby," added Ms Kumar.

"We hope that someone will recognise these two youths from their description and report them to us."

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Wayne Fisher on Swindon 528111 ext 875.