A ROBBERY of a woman's handbag in Lower Earley has led to police seeking witnesses in a new appeal.

At around 6.05pm on Tuesday, October 12, a woman was walking on Toseland Way, Lower Earley, when she felt a tug on the rear of her handbag shoulder straps.

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The woman turned around to the offender, who was holding onto the strap and told the victim to give him the bag. The victim initially tried to fight off the offender, but he pulled the bag from her, causing her to fall on the floor.

The man then ran towards Rushey Way. The victim tried to run after him but fell and tripped. She then found her bag on the grass, with no sign of the suspect.

The offender is described as a white man, of skinny build, around 5ft 9 to 5ft 11ins tall, and appeared to be around 25-years-old. He was wearing a dark coloured hoodie with the hood over his head, and a dark coloured winter coat.

The victim suffered soreness to her right shoulder following the fight with the offender, but did not require hospital treatment.

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Investigating Officer Detective Constable Tracey McQueen, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward following this robbery.

“I am particularly interested in speaking with two women who went to help the victim after she had fallen over.

“Anyone with information should call 101 or they can go online quoting reference 43210460733.

“Or if you wish to report anonymously you can do so by calling the independent Charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”