A plucky pensioner today told how she chased a mugger who had knocked her down and stolen her cash.

The 70-year-old Maldon woman, who did not wish to be named, was attacked as she walked through an alleyway between Fambridge Road and Plume Avenue in the town.

The attacker knocked her to the ground and then ran off with her purse containing £50 cash, credit cards and a lottery ticket.

The woman, who lives with her husband in Plume Avenue, said: "He came rushing to me, snatched my basket and pushed me against the fence.

"He rummaged through my basket and got my purse. I went to hit him, he bent forward and I took his hat off. I did shout and call him to stop and I screamed.

"I chased after him a bit but when I got to the end of the alley way he was nowhere to be seen.

"It upset my dignity to have a youngster do that, but still, there you are - no bones broken. I'd just bought a lottery ticket and he got that so I just hope he doesn't win."

Police are looking for a man who is described as white, 6ft tall, of slim build, about 20 years old, wearing a dark jacket and trousers and a blue scarf which was pulled up over his face.

Anyone with information about the attack at Friday lunchtime should contact Det Sgt Gilbert on 01621 852255 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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