Police have launched an appeal for information and witnesses after two lone women were robbed of their jewellery within a month of each other in Hampstead and Belsize Park.

In the latest attack on Tuesday night, a 36-year-old woman was approached from behind by a man who grabbed her neck in Grove Place, Hampstead, at about 6.30pm.

A second man then grabbed her hand and took off her rings.

The men are both described as being aged between 25 and 30.

It follows another robbery on January 26, where a woman was attacked by two men in front of her two-year-old toddler as she got out of her car at about 7.50pm.

They grabbed her around the neck and strangled her, while her wedding and engagement rings were taken off her finger.

She did not see her attackers, one of whom was masked with a bandana.

The terrified mother, who was too scared to be named, spoke to the Ham&High last week of her frightening attack in order to warn others to be vigilant.

She said: ““My child was still in the car seat when a man with his face covered came at me from behind. I thought he was after my child and I started hitting him away.

“He strangled me. I fell onto the floor unconscious. When I came round I realised I was being robbed.”

Police say that detectives and officers have carried out extensive enquiries, but the suspects in both cases are still on the loose.

They say it is possible the two robberies are linked, though there is no evidence yet to support that theory.

Safer Neighbourhoods officers have stepped up patrols in the area and are distributing crime prevention information to residents, asking them to be aware of their surroundings and of who is around them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Camden police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, dial 999.