A THUG hurled a pensioner to the ground before escaping with her handbag and money during a distressing attack.

The victim, a 73-year-old woman, was approached from behind by a man wearing dark clothes and gloves in Newbury at around 6.50pm on January 4.

He grabbed her black fabric bag on Racecourse Road, causing her to fall to the ground, but she did not sustain any injuries.

She attempted to shout for help, but the offender fled the scene, taking the bag before running over Stroud Green towards Nightingales Estate.

Cash and bank cards were stolen during the robbery.

Investigating officer Martin Turner, based at Newbury police station, said: "This incident occurred at a busy time of the day in a busy area of Newbury.

"It was a very distressing incident for the victim and we are working to locate those responsible.

"If you saw this incident, or have any information relating to it which you think could help our investigation, please get in touch."

If you have any information relating to this case, call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference '43180003880', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.