A WOMAN in her 70s was robbed as she withdrew money from a cashpoint outside Sainsbury's in the town centre yesterday (January 11).

Police are appealing for witnesses following the robbery, which took place between 3pm and 4.30pm.

A 74-year-old and her granddaughter had been at the Sainbury's ATM on Broad Street when a man approached them, demanding money and reaching across while she made the withdrawal and pressing a button fot a larger amount.

When the cash was dispensed, he took hold of the money and twisted the victim’s hands and wrist to forcibly take it from her.

He then handed the cash to a woman that he was with and she went into Sainsbury’s.

The victim was not injured during the incident.

The first offender is described as a skinny, white man in his forties and approximately 5ft 8ins tall.

He had scruffy black hair and a long, black, unkempt beard. He was wearing dark coloured well-worn clothes.

The second offender is described as a slim, white woman in her late thirties or early forties and is approximately 5ft 2ins tall.

She had greasy dark purple hair that was chin-length.

She was also wearing all dark coloured well-worn clothes and was carrying a Sainsbury’s bag for life.

Investigating officer PC Josh Gillespie, based at Reading police station, said: “This is a concerning incident that has understandably left the victim and her granddaughter feeling shaken. I urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward.

“You can contact us using our online form or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43210013524. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or on 0800 555 111.”