A 66-year-old woman was left “very shaken” and needing hospital treatment after a man robbed her in broad daylight in Colchester.

The robbery happened at around 11.20am in Harwich Road. The victim was walking along the road when she was approached by a man from behind. He pushed her to the ground and then stole her handbag before running into Harwich Grove and then down an alley.

Investigating officer, DC Mark Peacock, said: “This lady suffered some nasty cuts and bruises which needed hospital treatment and she was left very shaken by what happened.

“The man had approached her from behind so she did not get a good look at him but he is believed to have been white, of slim build and wearing a light coloured top.

“This may have had a hood or he may have been wearing a hat. He ran off with the victim’s black handbag which was found nearby but her purse, containing her bank cards, has not been recovered.

“This robbery happened in broad daylight and there would have been quite a few people either driving or walking in the area. If any of them saw this man either before or after the attack I would ask them to contact Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”