By James HoreA GOOD Samaritan who stopped her car to help a distressed woman lying on the ground was stabbed and robbed in a shocking attack. The 39-year-old was driving through the countryside near Chelmsford when she saw a woman who looked in need of help.

By James Hore

A GOOD Samaritan who stopped her car to help a distressed woman lying on the ground was stabbed and robbed in a shocking attack.

The 39-year-old was driving through the countryside near Chelmsford when she saw a woman who looked in need of help.

She got out of her car to check if the woman was all right when a man ran from nearby bushes.

The woman driver felt a blow to her stomach before her handbag, containing cash and medication, was stolen from her.

Although shaken, she was able to get back into her car and drive to a doctor's surgery in Chelmsford.

When she was examined by a GP, it was discovered that the woman had been stabbed in her lower abdomen and she was immediately taken by ambulance to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for treatment.

It is not thought her injuries are life-threatening and police said the woman was coming to terms last night with the attack.

Det Sgt Bob Gilbert, of Chelmsford police, said: “This is a distressing incident and anyone with any information at all, no matter how vague, is asked to contact police without delay.”

The attack happened in broad daylight at 12.30pm yesterday in Back Lane, Little Waltham, near to a nature reserve and an area popular with dog walkers.

Police said the woman who had lay on the ground feigning illness was white, aged in her mid-20s, about 5ft 3in tall, of medium build, with brown hair in a pigtail and wearing a grey hooded top with new looking white trainers that had luminous green markings.

Anyone with information should contact Chelmsford police on 01245 491212.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk