An elderly woman was robbed of her purse and hit in the face by a man in a street in Stonehouse on Thursday afternoon

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident that happened between 2pm and 3pm on Meadow Road in Stonehouse.

The victim was approached by a man who struck up a brief conversation. He then asked her to give him her purse and, when she refused, the man struck her once in the face.

He then took her purse from her and ran off in the direction of the park and train station.

The man is described as being Asian and of a slim build. He was wearing black trousers, a black hooded jumper and white socks. He was also wearing a black face mask and appeared to have a black stubble beard.

The man spoke with an English accent and was aged between 30 and 35.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who saw a man matching this description or anything suspicious in the area at the time.

You can contact the Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 267 of 18 November: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/

Alternatively you can call 101, quoting the same incident number, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.