Pensioner, 65, hurt as bag is snatched (From Stroud News and Journal)

Pensioner, 65, hurt as bag is snatched

A STROUD woman was slapped and pushed to the ground as she tried to stop a robber stealing from her home on Saturday.

The 65-year-old was knocked down twice in the garden of her Summer Street home after she bravely tried to stop him stealing her bum-bag.

The robber knocked her down before going inside the house and taking the black bag, which contained a purse, credit cards and £10 cash, at around 9.30pm.

But as he emerged she grabbed hold of the bag and tried to snatch it back, prompting the attacker to knock her down again.

police spokesman Matt Ford said: "The woman tried to grab it back but he slapped her in the face and pushed her to the ground for a second time before running off."

The severely shaken victim suffered a cut to the head, bruising to the right side of her body and an injury to one of her fingers.

A police sniffer dog later tracked down a 32-year-old local man nearby who was arrested on suspicion of robbery. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Stroud police sergeant Garrett Gloyn said the force were still keen to talk to anyone with information about the incident.

"We believe that there are people within the community at the Top of Town who are going to know about this offence," he said.

"Given the seriousness of this crime and how bad it potentially could have been we would appeal for any witnesses or anyone who suspects they know something to contact us."

Anyone who has any information on this crime can call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.