Police were today hunting a thug who threw a pensioner to the ground and stole her handbag in broad daylight in a busy street.
They are asking for the public's help to catch the mugger, who may have followed his 74-year-old victim from a post office where she had been to collect her pension.
The woman, who is not being named by police, was walking up Clarence Road, Grays, near the Sportsman Club, when the robber struck from behind. He tried to grab her bag but she hung on before being dragged to the ground.
She suffered a cut above her eye and a shoulder injury.
The thief ran off with her bag, which was later discovered in Grays Park - minus £96.
PC Kerry Chilvers, of Grays Police, said: "The lady was left shocked and very shaken. An ambulance was called but she said she did not want to go to hospital."
The attacker was white with very pale skin. He was around 5ft 4ins tall, of medium build and about 30 years old.
He had short thick black hair with long sideburns and wore a distinctive gold-coloured summer jacket, zipped up, with black or dark blue joggers or trousers.
Anyone with information about the incident, at 9.15 am on Monday, can contact PC Chilvers at Grays police station on 01375 391212.
Published Thursday, April 24, 2003
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