Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a robbery in Welwyn Garden City on Saturday (20th April 2013).

A 70-year-old woman from Welwyn Garden City was walking along an alleyway near Panshanger Drive at around 3pm when a man ran passed from the direction of Moors Walk.

As he passed her he grabbed the woman’s handbag and a struggle has ensued with the victim falling to the floor as a result.

The offender has then taken the bag and run off in the direction of Panshanger Drive. The offender is described as a white male, aged 20-25 years old, around 6ft 1in tall, and of medium build.

He had short blond hair and was clean shaven and was wearing a light grey tracksuit top, navy blue or black jogging bottoms.

Detective Sergeant Mark Wallis, from the Local Crime Unit in Hatfield, said: “This is a particularly troubling incident as the offender has preyed on an elderly and vulnerable woman. Fortunately she has not suffered a serious injury despite having a nasty fall.

“I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident and or who believes that they may know who the man responsible for this incident is.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference B1/13/958. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111