A violent robbery on Wimbledon Common last week where a woman was suffocated with a carrier bag and stripped of her phone and jewellery has put dog-walkers and runners on high alert.

The attacker approached the woman from behind as she was picking up a dog poo, put a bag over her head and knocked her over before stealing her valuables.

Thursday: 'Carrier bag used to suffocate dog-walker' during Wimbledon Common robbery

Sunday: Police appeal for information on 'nasty' carrier bag attack made public on Facebook

Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery, which took place in a wooded area near the centre of the Common some time between 1pm and 1.45pm on Wednesday.

The woman, who was in her 40s, was not injured and did not require hospital treatment. 

Details of the attack came to light after the victim's ex-boyfriend, a member of Wimbledon Windmilers, described the robbery on the running club's Facebook page.

He wrote: "They got her from behind, put a carrier bag over her head to stop her breathing and stole her phone and jewellery.

"She has no idea of description, and could you ask/advise people (especially females) to go on there in pairs if possible."

Keen runner Peter Collins, 52, of Wimbledon Chase, said: "This has implications for all sorts of Common users. It's concerning.

"But I feel more confident than some women running on the Common.

"Maybe I shouldn't but I do. In terms of how often this happens I can't remember anything that got into the papers going back to Rachel Nickell."

Miss Nickell was knifed 49 times in front of her two-year-old son by Robert Napper during a walk on the Common in July 1992.

Wandsworth Times:

Police and a ranger investigating an attack on a dog walker last summer

In June last year a man was violently attacked during an early-morning dog walk.

A man was charged with grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody until a court hearing in December.

But a Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators spokeswoman said: "Considering where we are there are very few incidents like this on the Common and people are usually safe.

"But when people are in any kind of urban location as we are in south west London they have got to be aware of their surroundings."

The Ranger's Office released a statement about the robbery to Common users on social media this morning, warning visitors to "remain observant", particularly if alone.

Many people are still unaware of the attack, because police have not given full details about where it happened to the Conservators or the press.

Mark Roberts, who owns the Windmill Tearoom, where it was business as usual this morning, said: "We haven't heard a dicky bird about it", despite "normally being the hub of all gossip".

Julia Hardy, 65, who has been walking on the Common since she was four years old, said she will not disrupt her twice-daily dog walk because of the robbery.

The Ridgway Stables owner said: "Personally, I have always felt safe on the Common.

"These things happen everywhere and I can't give you an alarmist reaction because I think it's a really safe place.

"I'm sure on the town centre streets it's far more likely to happen."

Jackie Reiss, of Wimbledon Park, who runs Nordic Walking sessions on the Common and walks there most days, said: "Obviously it's a very shocking attack and I imagine the person involved must have felt terrible.

"Personally I have never felt any anxiety or felt threatened walking on the Common.

"There are isolated areas and I wouldn't recommend people walking in them on their own but I know a lot of people do and feel safe."

She added: "It is quite worrying. There are people who walk on their own who may feel differently about it now."

Detective Inspector Gerard Frain, of Wandsworth Police, said: "The victim has very bravely recounted what has happened to her and is still coming to terms with the shock.

"We still need vital information to assist us in identifying the suspect.

"Were you at the Common at that time and did you see anyone acting suspiciously? Have you found any personal belongings?

"Did you take any photos or videos at the Common at that time? Please call us if you have any information."

Superintendent Steven Wallace, said: "Whilst this incident is under extensive investigation, I must stress that this type of crime is rare and completely isolated.

"Crime has no place on Wimbledon Common and together with our partner agencies we continue to ensure that our public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone safely and happily.

"As a reassurance to visitors at the park, officers are conducting more high visibility reassurance patrols, and crucially listening to and acting on any information which may come to light."

Anyone who has any information about the attack should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also contact the Ranger’s Office on 020 8788 7655 at any time, or email rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk.

Do you feel safe on the Common? Comment below, or email letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.