A WOMAN in her fifties was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken nose in a robbery in Westcliff in the early hours of Saturday morning.

She was walking home alone from Hamlet Court Road into Canewdon Road just after midnight on Saturday morning.

The suspect, who was jogging towards the victim, then struck her to the face knocking her temporarily unconscious.

She then discovered that a small amount of cash had been stolen from her purse and two gold bracelets had been removed from her wrists.

The attack occurred outside the old Empire Cake Company opposite the Hamlet Court Pub.

One of the bracelets holds great deal of sentimental value to the victim and is described as nine carat gold four cm thick, 1960s style, fixed bangle with a swirls and leaf pattern.

The second bracelet is also nine carat gold, a thin bar with heart pattern all around.

The suspect is described as a man, aged around 20, with a thin build and was wearing a grey sweatshirt, light blue jeans and trainers.

The victim sustained facial injuries and a broken nose and was treated at Southend Hospital.

Det Con Richard Walker, said: "This was a violent assault on lone female as she made her way home.

“We believe that there were people near to the scene at the time of the offence and I urge anyone with information to contact Southend CID on 101, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Detectives also hope someone may know who committed this offence, or know about the distinctive stolen jewellery, or even may have been offered it to buy.

Mr Walker added: "While we are investigating this crime, which is worrying that it was an unprovoked attack on a woman, it would be advisable for people out late at night to try to walk home with another person and to be wary of strangers.”