A pregnant woman was walking her 2-year-old daughter in a pram when she was assaulted and robbed by a group of four people.
Police said the incident happened last night about 8pm on Bath Street, Levin.
The 22-year-old woman was walking towards Winchester Street by Remembrance Park when two males and two females approached her.
"The group demanded money from the woman and after she told them she had none they grabbed the pram with her child in it and then her handbag," Detective Sergeant Peter Vine said.
"She tried to hold onto both but was pushed and separated from the pram. The group damaged her cellular phone and took her purse that had some cash in it before they ran off."
The woman suffered a sore arm and she and her daughter were distressed by the attack, police said.
"This is a cowardly attack and those responsible will be held to full account for their disgusting actions," Mr Vine said.
"We encourage anyone that witnessed the attack or saw a group of teenagers in the Remembrance Park and Bath Street area around 8pm to contact Police."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Sean Heron on (06) 210 2198.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11
