A WOMAN was hit over the head and had her purse stolen during a street robbery in Braintree.

The 21-year-old had walked from NatWest, in High Street, along Coggeshall Road and into Weavers Park when she was attacked.

It is thought the assailant followed her and then hit her from behind near the skateboard area in the park.

Cash, keys and documents, worth about £600 in total, was stolen from her purse.

Det Insp Paul Bartlett, from Braintree police, said: “This is a very unusual crime for Braintree. It happened during the early afternoon, and witnesses may have seen either the incident itself or an individual following this young woman from the town centre into Weavers Park.

“I would ask anyone who has information or who saw anything suspicious to contact Essex Police immediately.”

The robber is described as a black male, in his 30s, about 6ft 1ins and of thick-set build. He wore a pale or baby blue polo shirt with a white stripe.

Anyone with any information about that incident on Tuesday [28/4] at about 1.45pm should call Det Con Jo Smith on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.