A WOMAN was recovering in hospital last night after she was pulled into a Bicester churchyard and stabbed in the leg.

The 23-year-old was walking along Church Street at about 8pm on Wednesday night when she was pulled into the churchyard of St Edburg’s Church by at least two men.

They tried to pull her handbag away from her, and in the struggle she was stabbed in the right thigh.

The robbers then fled the scene with the woman’s black handbag and purse.

Det Sgt Craig Kirby said: “This is a nasty robbery in which the woman was seriously injured.

“Thankfully, she is in a stable condition in the John Radcliffe Hospital, but this could have been much worse.

“Officers have carried out a search of the area.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.”

The woman said there were at least two men, one of whom was white with what she believes was a Polish accent.

The Rev Theresa Scott, team rector at St Edburg’s, said: “I was very sad to hear that this has happened.

“I hope the woman is recovering well.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.