Police are seeking a man who snatched a handbag from a 77-year-old woman in Camborne, leaving her injured in the street.

The elderly woman had been to the bank on Monday morning (July 21) when she was approached by the man in Mitchell Lane around 10.50am.

He grabbed her handbag and pulled with such force that she was knocked to the ground and sustained a nasty head wound.

The offender left her injured on the ground and ran off in the direction of Moor Street.

The victim, from Camborne, was treated by ambulance at the scene after hitting her head on the ground. Her injuries were not serious but she was left shaken and distressed by the robbery.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery and seeking the suspect who is described as white, tall, and wearing a grey coat and a peaked cap.

They are also asking the public to look out for a black handbag that may have been discarded in the area. The bag contained around £200 cash.

PC Andy Shorten from Camborne police station, said: “This is a horrendous and cowardly crime in which the offender has targeted a vulnerable victim.

“The offender grabbed her handbag and tugged it with such force that she was catapulted to the ground and sustained nasty injuries. Ignoring the fact that she was clearly injured the offender then ran away, leaving her lying on the ground. The incident will undoubtedly leave a lasting effect on her.

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the suspect running from the scene to come forward and speak to police.”

Anyone with information regarding the crime is asked to contact Detective Constable Joanne Sodergren of Camborne CID on 01209 611258 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting crime reference CR/091734/14.