A PREGNANT woman who survived a brutal robbery in a North-East hospital car park has lost her baby.

The tragedy happened after the 20-year-old collapsed in a shop and was taken to hospital.

The woman, who has not been named, was mugged by two men in January as she left Newcastle General Hospital, where she worked.

Despite pleading with her attackers that she was carrying a child, the pair kicked and beat her as she lay on the ground.

At the time, doctors told the mother-to-be that her child had not been hurt.

Today, as the distraught victim recovered from her second ordeal, her 23-year-old husband spoke of their sadness.

He said: "My wife was deeply shocked and distressed by what happened to her at the hands of those thugs.

"She had emergency treatment and checks were made on the baby's condition. We were both concerned for the baby's welfare because of the attack.

"But everything appeared okay after the initial checks.

"Sadly, things went wrong last Friday and my wife suffered a miscarriage."

Detective Inspector Max Black, of Newcastle West CID, who is heading the investigation, said: "Everyone at West End CID is saddened the victim has lost her baby.

"We are carrying out extensive inquiries to find those responsible for the brutal robbery and I would urge anyone who has information to contact Newcastle West police station."

The woman, who was three-months pregnant, works as a clerk in the hospital's x-ray department.

She was grabbed by the robbers as she walked through the grounds at about 5.45pm on January 21.

During her ordeal, she was slashed at least 30 times across her chest and repeatedly kicked in her stomach.

The thugs also broke her finger as they tore off her wedding and engagement rings.

They fled with her rings, purse, handbag and phone.

The attackers are white, aged between 15 and 20, and at least one wore a baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555.