Pembroke with her boyfriend on Friday night.

And Police said yesterday a 17-year-old youth is expected to be charged in Magistrates' Court in connection with the assault in the next few days.

Police spokesman Sgt. Chris Wilcox reported that the couple -- who were in their mid-30s -- were walking on Richmond Road near the junction with Ferrars Lane at 9.15 p.m. when they were attacked from behind.

The man struck his head as he was knocked to the ground by a youth who attacked the woman with a knife. He was attempting to cut the straps on her handbag, said Sgt. Wilcox.

As the woman fought him off he stabbed her in the chest. Her boyfriend had gotten to his feet by this point so the youth grabbed her handbag, ran to his motorcycle and rode away, Police said.

The couple were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and treated for their injuries. The man was released that night but the woman was detained overnight and released on Saturday.

Sgt. Wilcox reported that there have been a number of violent assaults in this area and said this incident came only a week after Police Sgt. Ron Beech was stabbed by a youth he was placing under arrest.

Anyone with any information about this, or any other recent assault, is asked to call 295-0011. However, if they prefer, they may also give it anonymously using the Crime Stoppers number 1-800-623-TIPS.

Policemen on the front line are having to dip into their own pockets to buy bullet and stab-proof vests to protect themselves from increasing numbers of violent attacks on Police officers.

A number of officers have mail ordered vests from overseas at a cost of $800 or more per vest, a Police officer revealed yesterday.

The officer admitted self-protection was a growing concern among officers in Police buy safety gear it was unlikely the serious injuries sustained by Sgt. Beech would have been as grave had he been wearing protective clothing. Sgt. Beech is still recovering from two chest wounds at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, which he received as he attempted to arrest a man over a week ago. In response to a call for protective clothing by the Bermuda Police Association last week, Police Commissioner Mr. Colin Coxall said he would consider the matter if it was put to him in a formal request. But Shadow Labour, Home Affairs and Safety Minister Mr. Alex Scott yesterday confirmed the report that Police officers were dipping into their own pockets to protect themselves.

"That really shouldn't be happening,'' he said. "I am concerned that Police officers are being asked to go on the front line in the enforcement of law and order but without proper protection.'' He said that as far back as January, officers had responded to alleged threats of violence against them by calling for protective gear. But the request, Mr.

Scott said, was turned down on the grounds that the Department did not want to seem to take the threats seriously. "I would like the Police to know they have the support of both myself and the Opposition right to the hilt.'' Minister of Home Affairs and Safety the Hon. Quinton Edness yesterday said he was "extremely concerned'' at the number of recent attacks on Police officers and pledged Government's support to assisting the Police Force to protect its officers in the course of their duties. But he said he would wait for the Police Commissioner to put forward a definitive plan. "Government will do everything it can to assist the Police Commissioner in providing protection for its officers. We must find a way they can be protected,'' he said. "It is a matter that the whole community should be concerned about.''