GAZETTE & HERALD: AN 11-year-old schoolgirl has been commended by police for fighting off a robber who tried to steal her backpack.

The Sheldon School pupil was cutting through the sports ground on Bristol Road to get to school when the would-be thief struck on Thursday morning.

The man was sitting on a bench as she walked past at 8.10am but he followed her for about eight paces before he grabbed the bag.

She struggled forward and managed to release herself from his grip, before running on to school.

PC Lee Kuklinski, who is dealing with the incident, said although she was upset she wanted to carry on with her school day.

"I thought it was particularly brave of her. She was a great help to the police," he said.

The officer is appealing for witnesses who saw her attacker, who was white, in his 30s, about 5ft 9in, of medium build, with stubble, to ring him at Chippenham police station on (01249) 654455.

The thief was wearing a long, black hooded top, white Nike trainers and baggy jeans.

Headteacher Gerard MacMahon said the girl was very upset. "But she did the right thing and told an adult straight away. We calmed her down and she was keen to stay in school.

"We immediately got a message round to the children to avoid some of the cut throughs if they are on their own."