AN APPEAL has been launched to help a care worker who was robbed and assaulted in Newton Abbot.

The woman was attacked on Friday night at the Penn Inn underpass and beaten with a weapon, possibly a wooden bat.

She sustained six fractures including the shoulder, ribs, cheekbone, knuckle and thumb and has extensive bruising.

Her attackers emptied her handbag and stole belongings, including her mobile phone.

Police confirmed they are are investigating reports of a robbery and assault which happened at the Penn Inn underpass at about 7.15pm on Friday.

A spokesman said the victim, a woman in her 30s, was reported to have been assaulted with a bat by two men.

It was also reported ‘multiple personal items’ were taken from her handbag.

She sustained multiple serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The spokesman said: ‘Police enquiries remain ongoing in relation to this incident.’

A Just Giving appeal, launched by Sarah Bracher, aims to raise £500 to help the victim replace her mobile phone and cope until she can go back to work.

The extent of her injuries mean she won’t be able to work for up to eight weeks.

Sarah said: ‘We know any help will be appreciated and help with the time she needs off work to heal both physically and mentally.

‘We would like to make the community aware that this incident happened so would like everyone to take care in this area.’

► Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference - CR/070734/2