MUGGERS stole £600 from an 87-year-old woman.

The pensioner, who was on her mobility scooter, had just been to collect her pension when she was attacked.

She was using a zebra crossing in Crest Avenue, Pitsea, when a car pulled up alongside her.

The passenger, a man, got out and asked the woman for directions.

Then, without warning, he grabbed hold of the pensioner's right arm and held it down, before snatching her handbag, containing the cash, from her lap.

The mugger jumped back into the car and the pair drove off with the brown leather shoulder bag.

The bag also contained a locket with a picture of the woman's late husband and mother, a rent book and her pension card.

Insp Steve Ditchburn, of Pitsea police, said: "This was a despicable attack on an elderly, vulnerable member of the community.

"Thankfully the woman wasn't seriously hurt, but she has been left severely shaken.

"I would urge anyone who knows who is responsible for this cowardly attack, or indeed the muggers themselves, to do the right thing and come forward to police."

The robber was described as a slim white man, aged in his late thirties. He wore a dark baseball cap and a light grey jacket.

The pair were in a black car, possibly a Ford Mondeo or Orion.

Anyone with information should call Basildon police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.