TWO would-be robbers attacked a woman as they tried to steal her new PlayStation 3.

The incident happened at around 12.30am yesterday as the woman parked her car outside her home in Whitbourne Avenue, Park North.

She had just returned from Toys R Us in Stratton St Margaret where she had bought the £425 games console after it went on sale at midnight.

It is believed that the woman was followed home from the toy store by her attackers, who staked out the Oxford Road store.

Just as the woman arrived back at her house a car drew up alongside her.

A man jumped out trying to grab her shopping bag containing the console.

He pushed her to the ground and repeatedly kicked her.

The woman managed to fight him off and hang onto the console. The thief then sped off in the direction of Shaftesbury Avenue with an accomplice.

The resident dialled 999 to alert the police.

Insp Mike White, of Wiltshire Police, said: "The victim struggled and prevented him from taking the PlayStation, despite being kicked a number of times.

"Following this incident police conducted a check of the car park at Toys R Us and a car was seen to leave at speed.

"The same car was later stopped by officers of the Northern Road Policing Unit and two males were arrested on suspicion of the attempted robbery."

Police believe that the quick response of officers may have prevented further similar incidents occurring.

Residents in Whitbourne Avenue were shocked to hear of the attempted robbery yesterday afternoon.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I can't believe someone would try to steal something like that.

"It could have been a birthday present for a little boy or girl.

"To think that someone could lie in wait for people as they come out with their shopping is disgusting."

Thousands of shoppers across the country queued up for hours to get their hands on the latest Sony console, which went on sale at midnight yesterday.

At the Virgin Megastore in London's Oxford Street, the software giant handed out chairs to those queuing up for the new games machine.

Any witnesses to the attempted theft and attack in Whitbourne Avenue are asked to contact Swindon police on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.