Sentimental photographs and letters were stolen by a robber during a bag snatch in Witham.

The victim, 74, was walking with her 61-year-old husband in Speedwell Close at 3.50pm on Sunday, December 6, when the suspect ran from behind the couple, pushed between them, and snatched the woman’s handbag.

The robber then ran off down an alleyway leading into an estate.

Inside the bags were letters sent to the victim by her husband when they first started dating, a photograph of her grandparents dating from the 1920s, and a school picture of one of her great-grandchildren.

Pc Louise Taplin, of Braintree CID, said: “Inside the black leather-look bag was a purse with a distinctive frog print design and containing a three figure sum of cash. Documents and a mobile phone were also stolen.

“I would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened, or saw the man before or after the robbery.

“I am also appealing for residents to contact me if they see any of the items discarded.”

The suspect was about 6ft tall, of slim build, and wore a black hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and black shoes.

As the victims only saw the suspect from behind they do not know if they were male or female, but believe they were male and had black or dark brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Taplin on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.