Police are appealing for information after a heavily pregnant woman was pinned to the ground and sprayed in the face with a noxious substance during a car theft in Birmingham.

The woman, who is eight months pregnant, parked up on Yew Tree car park in Yardley around 7:50pm on 11 December. She was then approached by two men who were lying in wait.

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The victim tried to run away, but was pinned to the ground and sprayed with the substance in her eyes as the thieves took her car keys and smashed her phone.

The suspects drove off in the woman's grey coloured VW Golf, which has since been recovered thanks to an on-board tracker. The vehicle is being forensically examined.

Police are appealing for information to help find the two men.

Sergeant Philip Poole, who is leading the investigation, said: "The pregnant victim was taken to hospital where she and unborn baby were monitored and treated for minor injuries – both are doing well.

"Nevertheless, it was a shocking attack against a heavily pregnant woman and the outcome could have been far worse. We need to identify the offenders before they are able to attack again."

Poole added: "We've secured CCTV and recovered the car, but we're still appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, or has any other information which they believe will assist the investigation to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Poole by emailing p.poole@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote 20BE/244963T/16