A MUGGER who stole a pensioner’s handbag from her mobility scooter was chased through the streets by taxi drivers.

The 74-year-old woman has been left shaken and upset after the “horrendous” attack at 9.10am on Tuesday.

She was in Long Road, Canvey, at the junction of Furtherwick Road, with her bag in the front of her scooter when a man cycled past and reached to steal her bag.

Three cabbies, who were waiting at the rank by Iceland’s car park, spotted the crook and raced off in pursuit.

They followed him up Long Road to The Paddocks, but he cut through to back roads where they lost him.

Sgt Mark McQuade said: “For the lady herself it is horrendous and shocking this can happen at 9am, especially within a built-up area in a town centre.

She is very shaken up by it and is being supported by police and her family.”

Inside the victim’s bag were her house keys and purse, containing credit cards and a small amount of cash.

The woman’s diary was found near Thorney Bay Caravan Park yesterday afternoon and it is believed the suspect may live nearby.

He is described as a white male in his early twenties with short blonde hair. He is tall and was wearing a green T-shirt and dark blue jeans.

He was seen running from The Paddocks to Runnymede.

Police will give elderly residents purse chains at the next police beat surgery in Canvey, which takes place on Sunday at Morrisons in Northwick Road.

Mr McQuade added: “I ask senior citizens to take care and make sure their purses and handbags are covered.”

Anyone with information on the incident can call Castle Point police on 101 quoting reference number 254220714.