POLICE have released an e-fit image in connection with an attempted robbery. 

A woman was grabbed and assaulted by a man who tried to steal her phone as she walked her dog on Monday, 9 January in Carterton.

It is the second such attack in the town in the past month and police believe the incidents are linked.

Thames Valley Police published the image this afternoon as part of a fresh appeal for witnesses.

In the most recent incident police said the 48-year-old victim was walking on a footpath alongside the White Bridge between Brome Way and Northwood Crescent when she was targeted.

She was approached at 6.10am by a man who shouted 'phone' at her as he grabbed her.

The woman dropped her dog's lead during the altercation and her dog bit the man on his left arm.

He then ran off towards Monahan Way while she managed to get to safety with her dog by running to Lilac Way.

The suspect did not manage to steal anything from the victim and she was not injured.

He is described as white, about 25 and 5ft 10ins with a medium build and fair blonde spiky hair.

He was wearing a plain blue jacket with a zip at the front, dark jeans and black gloves and had a strong eastern European accent.

It follows an attack on a woman walking her dog in the town on December 16, which left her hospitalised.

At the time police said the attacker had attempted to steal her dog.

Investigating officer PC Shelley Slater said: "In both incidents lone women were walking their dogs in unlit areas.

"Understandably both victims have been left very shaken from the incident.

"Officers are working hard to identify the offender, but please be aware if you are walking alone in the dark to stick to lit areas and try and walk with another person.

"I would like to reassure everyone that we are carrying out a full investigation into these two incidents. If you see anyone matching the description or anybody acting suspiciously please call police on the non emergency number 101."