A 49-year-old woman resisted bravely when a teenage mugger grabbed her handbag.

The woman was walking in Satanita Road, Westcliff, at 6.30pm on Monday, when the young crook struck.

She held on to her bag as long as she could but the youth threatened to punch her if she did not let go.

The bag contained £18 in cash as well as credit cards and £100 of Marks & Spencer vouchers.

Police said the thief, who rode off on a mountain bike, was white and skinny, aged from 14 to 16, and between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall. He wore a light coloured hooded top.

Anyone with information is asked to call Southend police on 01702 431212.

Published Wednesday January 21, 2004

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