Dad and baby are mugged (From Stroud News and Journal)

Dad and baby are mugged

A YOUNG father was viciously attacked as he pushed his one-year-old daughter through a Stroud cemetery.

Three muggers pounced on the 18-year-old, punching him to the ground and tearing the pushchair from his hands in the graveyard in Bisley Road.

One grabbed the buggy while the others hit him before stealing his wallet and keys.

The victim was extremely shaken up by the assault, which left him with cuts and bruises. His daughter was not injured.

police are appealing to SNJ readers to help trace the thieves, who were in their late 20s to early 30s.

The attack is not the first violent incident to occur in the area.

In November, a woman claimed a homeless man tried to rape her as she walked along Bisley Road.

Now, shocked town councillors have called for a review of security.

Cllr Hadyn Sutton, of Stroud Town Council's estates committee - which runs the cemetery - was appalled by the assault, and called for CCTV to be installed.

"It's disgusting," he said. "It shouldn't be a problem area but you get these people prowling behind trees and shrubs.

"I will certainly discuss increasing security arrangements with the council."

"CCTV is the only way you can allow people to enjoy the beautiful views while deterring offenders."

Police believe there is a good chance passers-by saw the attack, which happened between 8.30pm and 9pm on Sunday.

A spokesman said: "It would still have been light and there were probably people walking around at that time of the evening.

"The victim was very distressed, as was the child."

The offenders were all white males.

One had black, collar length hair and wore a white Adidas T-shirt, light blue jeans and light blue trainers.

The others had dark jackets, and one wore white trainers while the other wore dark coloured shoes.

Call Stroud police on 0845 090 1234.