Police are hunting for a vicious robber who punched a woman on the face and tried to stop her driving off in her car on Front Street, Hamilton, on Saturday evening.

The 42-year-old victim said she returned to her car at the car park opposite the Supermart at 7.30 p.m. and found it smelled of cigarette smoke.

She saw a man approach her with a shopping trolley and managed to get inside and lock all her doors, except one.

The woman, who has not been named, said the man opened the unlocked door and demanded money.

The victim got out of the car and, pretending to comply, got back inside to look for her bag but was prevented from closing the door by the robber.

The attacker then pushed her into the car, but she managed to kick him. She then alleges he punched her in the face before grabbing her bag and walking off towards Joell's Alley.

Police helped the woman search the area but they were unable to find her bag, which contained cash and personal items.

The robber is described as dark brown skinned, five foot nine inches tall, slim build, aged about 30, and wearing a tracksuit top and black bandana.

The woman suffered bruising and swelling to her nose but declined medical treatment.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Sandys man was arrested after a 39-year-old Sandys man was beaten about the head on Somerset Road, outside the Naval Field, at 2.15 p.m. on Friday.

Police took the man to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment for his injuries.