A woman in her 80s was pulled to the floor as a man robbed her of her handbag in Pitsea.

The pensioner was walking along Rayne Path, away from town, at about 6.30pm yesterday when she became aware of a man behind her. 

He grabbed her handbag and tried to run off.

The victim held on and was pulled to the floor before the man ran off up Steeplehall.

The bag was found nearby by a member of the public but the woman’s Samsung mobile phone in a maroon flipcase and a bright blue Cavalli purse containing £90 are still missing.

The suspect is described as black, in his early 20s, of average build and was wearing dark clothing.

Sergeant Emily Lurton, at Basildon Police Station, said: "The victim has been left very distressed and upset by this cowardly attack.

"Luckily a passing member of the public saw what happened and came to her aid and then helped her home.

"I would like to arrest this man as soon as possible and if anyone has any information which could help I would ask them to call me at Basildon Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”