POLICE are on the hunt for a man who robbed a pensioner in Colchester.

The man approached the 67-year-old woman near the Co-op in Blackthorn Avenue as she visited the cash machine.

He grabbed her arm and snatched her purse from her hand before running off in the direction of Blackthorn Avenue.

The man is described as white, aged about 19, 5ft 6in tall and of stocky build.

He was wearing a dark grey hooded top and dark trousers.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Lydia George, said: "The victim was not physically hurt but to be confronted and robbed in this way has left her extremely shaken and upset.

"We urgently need to find this man and arrest him. If anyone has any information which could help us I would urge them to call Colchester CID on 101.”

The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Thursday, April 21.