A 36-year-old woman was attacked with pepper spray before her handbag was stolen in Golders Green on Friday night.

The victim was driving a black Mercedes ML320 estate alone in Addison Way close to the junction of Finchley Road at 9.45pm when it was bumped from behind by the driver of a red saloon car. The vehicle drew alongside and its occupants three Asian males in their late teens or early 20s insisted she get out to survey the damage.

When she did the passenger in the other vehicle's rear seat ran over and used pepper spray on her face.

The robbers stole the victim's handbag before driving off in their car, which is thought to have a "G" prefix. The woman was taken to the Royal Free Hospital where she was treated and subsequently released.

Detective Sergeant Tony Caetono, of Barnet Police, said the victim had called in at the Jet petrol station in Finchley Road shortly before the attack. Anyone who saw her there or saw the other car anywhere in the Golders Green area should call Det Sgt Caetono on 020 8733 4472.